I first met Sir John when I was 22 years old while studying political studies at Queen’s University in Canada. A friend had taken me to his house to talk about my political future.

The Sir John I knew was more than the public figure. He was a man of enormous presence, conviction and energy. At 22, I was very impressed with this giant of a man.

Sir John was many things to me. At different times, he was a friend, a mentor, an adversary and a supporter — sometimes all at once. Those roles shifted depending on the moment, but each reflected the complexity of the man and the relationship we shared.

When Sir John called me saying that he was going to run for Parliament as an Independent, I tried to talk him out of it. He was convinced that Bermuda was on a dangerous path and that he was not going to sit by and let it happen. Hence the founding of The Bermuda Independent Group.

That determination was characteristic of him. He believed deeply in his convictions and acted on them, regardless of the obstacles before him.

To spend time with Sir John was to be challenged. He did not suffer small thinking. He expected people to bring their best ideas, defend their beliefs and stand firmly behind their convictions. That sometimes placed us on opposite sides of an issue. We disagreed. We debated. We challenged each other. Yet, even in disagreement, there was respect.

What I admired most about Sir John was his willingness to engage. He did not retreat from difficult conversations. He leant into them. He believed that progress came from strong ideas tested by strong minds.

Sir John could be demanding, but he could also be remarkably generous. He offered encouragement when it mattered. He opened doors. He shared wisdom earned through decades of leadership and experience. He understood that helping others to succeed was one of the greatest legacies a person could leave behind.

Sir John Swan was not a simple man, nor was he meant to be. The most influential people rarely are. He challenged people. He inspired people. He frustrated people. He encouraged people. He left an impression on everyone he met. His was a life well lived.

I will remember some things that are more personal. I will remember the conversations, the debates, the lessons, the laughter and the enduring sense that I had known someone truly extraordinary.

When I was elected to serve in Parliament in 1993, Sir John was premier. We were on opposite sides of the political fence. I was a Progressive Labour Party candidate. He was impressed that I had taken out the leader of the National Liberal Party, Gilbert Darrell, and one of his United Bermuda Party members, Thomas Haskins Davis.

I am grateful that our paths crossed. Both Sir John and I had many discussions about spirituality and life after death. We both understood that it is the body that dies while our spirit and our soul live on. We never doubted that we would meet again.

Soar on, Sir John. Thank you for your friendship, your guidance, your challenges and your belief in others. Bermuda is better because you were here, and those of us fortunate enough to know you are richer for it.

• Renée Webb is a former Cabinet minister and Progressive Labour Party MP who ran as an independent candidate in the 2025 General Election