Bermuda will mourn the loss of David Saul, a politician whose character would seem more appropriate as a teacher. Although his role as a premier and politician is swallowed by the history of the United Bermuda Party, David was a pragmatic politician. He understood the needs of the entire community and tried to break through the hard-cast positions of his contemporaries.

The rules of politics do not always support integrity; too often ideas of electability promoted with a cloud of smoke instead become the preferred medium to carry on an agenda. David had no real appetite for set agendas and had a vision of his own. That his vision was not realised is no detraction from his efforts.

David Saul will be remembered for his style of discourse, in particular when he answered a question with his typical, “It’s A, B and C” as a prefix to his answers. He loved to quote facts or at least demonstrate to be on the side of factual determinations.

His manner troubled some who considered him arrogant, but most can appreciate there is a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance. I would say he was self-confident but always open to be challenged.

He was determined and routine. I first recall crossing him on the sand trails of the South Shore beaches near Horseshoe Bay. He ran those hillsides possibly thousands of times. In fact, if you asked him, he would give you the exact number of times he ran the course, when he first began and how many miles it totalled to date. To say he had an indomitable spirit is almost an understatement because he was extraordinary in everything he did and in all his endeavours.

I have had many associations with David, the most memorable and cherished of which is the 18 months that were committed for discussions every Friday evening at Fidelity International for two hours. Arnott Jackson, Arnold Francis, Stuart Hayward, Eugene Carmichael and I discussed everything from politics to the history of the island religiously for a year and a half. Three of that group are now deceased but the information and ideas expressed have left an indelible impression on me.

I would like to join all those who have shared and expressed their condolences to the family of David Saul. He has my respect. We can only hope that he has inspired some individuals who can now carry on after him.