Politicians paid tribute yesterday in the House of Assembly to Arthur (Butch) Bean, The Royal Gazette photographer who died on Thursday.

St. David's MP Suzann Roberts-Holshauser said: "I had the pleasure of working with Butch at the Bermuda Sun.

"I am sure many people in this House today have been on the opposite said of the lens from

Mr. Bean. Sincerely, on behalf of myself and the United Bermuda Party we send our condolences to his parents, Arthur and Claire."

St. George's North MP and former Premier Jennifer Smith said Mr. Bean "was someone who will be greatly missed by the arts community".

"He produced a book of his photographs and I know he was intent on producing another such book. He recently showed at Masterworks and is another man taken too soon from us."

Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley said it was "even more sad" to lose someone at the age of 41.

Works and Engineering Minister Terry Lister described Mr. Bean as "a fine young man who contributed much with his work and had much more to offer".

Minister Without Portfolio Ashfield De Vent said: "I knew him quite well in my role as a former journalist.

"I always found him to be a peaceful spirit who went about doing what had he had to do in a quiet way and got the job done. He will be sorely missed."

And Tourism Minister Renee Webb said her "heart goes out to the family. We were all extremely surprised at Arthur's demise and all of us knew him well as he has dealt with all of use in his professional capacity."

Mr. Bean will be buried at St. Peter's Church in St. George's on Wednesday.