They were all there on Saturday night to celebrate a man who has dedicated 31 years of his life to the people of Warwick West.

The Bermuda Regiment played "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow'' as Sir John stood in front of the cheering crowd, and a banner hung in front of him which read "Sir John Sharpe 31 years of dedicated service''.

Sir John -- better known as `Jack' -- was definitely taken aback by the many faces that were in the room from his longtime running mate the Hon. Quinton Edness, to several constituents whom he tried to help if they had a problem or sit down with and have a friendly chat.

He told a Royal Gazette reporter: "I thought I was coming to a Rose Society party with my wife. It did occur to me that the people did not look like Rose Society members, but I had no idea what it was all about.

"I was more surprised than excited. So many of my friends are here from St.

Mary's Church and the Warwick West constituency that I have been dealing with all my life.

"As I step back from this party and reflect, I have to say how grateful I am that everyone took the trouble to come out.'' During a buffet dinner several personal tributes were made to Sir John, which began with his good friend, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.

"We are here to celebrate a very special individual who has served the longest period of political and community service than anyone.

"Sir John Sharpe was always determined that if the country was right then all would be right with him and his family.'' He added: "He always had a purpose, and was prepared to stop and talk to someone and write down what he had to do. He took care of people.

"Sir John found himself involved in politics early. Bermuda was going through changes and one man pulled everything together. It was a critical stage of Bermuda's development. It was through his encouragement that I became involved in politics.

"We are here to celebrate the measure of the man.

A man who always looked out for the best interest of the Country.

"He said that he would step aside if it served the best interest of the Country and not only did he step aside, he continued to serve the Country and he became my mentor.'' Mr. Edness, who has been side by side canvassing with Sir John Sharpe for 25 years, said: "The essence of his conscience is made of the stuff that cares for his fellow men, in particular those of Warwick Parish.

"The political worth of Sir John will linger in the memory of Bermuda history because it shall be protected forever by the rectitude and sincerity of his actions -- actions that in all cases sought a noble purpose for the people of our island.

"From his days as navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force to that of the Premier of Bermuda, his purpose has always been the welfare of the people of Bermuda.'' Mr. Edness added: "History will record Sir John as a man whose energy and influence helped materially to guide and shape the destiny of Bermuda over the past 30 years.

"Sir John's love and respect for Parliament is unsurpassed. Always nurtured by its traditions, precedents, the thrust and cut of debate.

"Protective of its authority and humble of its power; careful to ensure its power was never abused.'' He concluded: "When most men retire, they seek to be isolated from the worry and vagaries of the workplace, especially the political work place.

"They do not, under any circumstances, wish to be called upon. You and I know that in his retirement Sir John is still working for Bermuda and if you do have a job to get done of any importance, you can not only call on him, you can depend on him.'' Several others thanked Sir John for his many years as a politician and as a good friend.

He was also presented with Peter Woolcock sketches and a photo album by his nephew and master of ceremonies Mr. Bruce Sharpe.

Sir John's wife Lady Eileen Sharpe was also thanked and presented with a gift.

Sir John, who was first elected to Parliament in 1963, was defeated in the 1993 election by 14 votes. While in Government, his chief posts were Premier, Finance Minister and Home Affairs Minister.

FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW LIB PTL RG P1 21.3.1994 Y FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW -- Former Premier Sir John Sharpe, left, was surprised by 300 of his friends including Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan at the Palm Reef Hotel on Saturday night. The Warwick West community threw him a surprise thank you party for his 31 years of service. Story -- Page 2.