The Opposition United Bermuda Party paid glowing tributes yesterday to Dame Lois Browne Evans who though uncompromising and outspoken, earned great respect for her warmth to political opponents.

UBP Leader Michael Dunkley said Dame Lois will be remembered as one of the giants of Bermuda history as a woman on the frontline of change throughout her life.

He said: “From the moment she entered politics as a member of the class of 1963, she was part of the headlines of our lives as Bermudians. We will miss her.”

Mr. Dunkley added: “One of the things I admired about Dame Lois was the cross-party camaraderie she exhibited — a reminder that we as politicians can have political differences and heated argument while maintaining cordial relations among ourselves.

Mr. Dunkley said as long-time leader of the Progressive Labour Party in opposition, Dame Lois saw the party through some tough times and her perseverance and strength of character during those times undoubtedly became part of the foundation for the Progressive Labour Party victory in 1998.

“Dame Lois was always dignified in bearing. She had strength, humour and love in her heart, always.

“A great Bermudian has passed. We will mourn her passing while celebrating her life of achievement.”

Opposition Legislative Reform and Justice Spokesman John Barritt cultivated an affectionate relationship with Dame Lois when he was a reporter in the 1970s and it held throughout their time in politics.

He said: “I looked at her as a friend notwithstanding our political differences and differences in years.

“Bermuda has lost a champion and a mother. She was a champion for people without a voice and without representation. She championed them fearlessly and spoke with passion, colourfully and she came by it naturally.

“But when all was said and done she would treat you like she was your mother with love and affection. She was disarming. I have fond memories of both inside and outside the ring.

“I got to know both her and her husband as friends of the Barritts, they lived just down the road from our family homestead.”

Mr. Barritt worked with Dame Lois on the Boundaries Commission which implemented the move from 20 dual-MP seats, which many claimed were undemocratic, to 36 single-member constituencies.

Many saw the implementation of that law as Dame Lois’ finest hour but Mr. Barritt said: “She championed so many causes and did so many things.

“I think she took the greatest satisfaction from when the PLP were first elected. I know she was a proud as punch and told me so.”

While the pair clashed in parliament there was always a mutual respect. “It was very hard to get angry with her. She was so disarming and a formidable opponent. I loved the colourful way she spoke. It was difficult to match, so natural and sincere. You couldn’t beat her.”

UBP veteran Maxwell Burgess said: “She was born a child of the world, her reach went far beyond our shores and more importantly she was on loan to us to see a sense of social balance was ultimately reached.

“She was misunderstood by many but never took her eyes off the prize.

“While we are challenged to say goodbye the real challenge is to pick up the mantle and complete the unfinished business.”

Opposition Senator Kim Swan said: “She was a necessary voice for people who were voiceless. I praise God — she made Bermuda a better place.”