Oliver Rendell Arton, a major figure in Bermuda's banking world, has died aged 91.

Mr. Arton joined Butterfield Bank in 1934, working his way up the ranks, occupying just about every job from teller to his most recent position, of senior international officer during his 46-year career, before retiring in 1981.

"He literally occupied every job in the bank and over the years he worked in every department," said his son, Gavin Arton.

"He did everything from licking stamps as a teller up to working in his role as senior international officer.

"He was a banker first and foremost, but he also did a lot of local community work."

Yesterday Butterfield Bank issued a statement: "Mr. Arton was a leader in the early development of international business for the benefit not only of the Bank but for Bermuda generally.

"Butterfield Bank extends its deepest condolences to the Arton family."

Outside of the bank, he was president of Beneficial International Insurance Co. Ltd. Bermuda between September 1981 and 1986, and he also had a career in politics, serving as an MP in Hamilton Parish between 1958 and 1968, sitting on a number of committees, including the finance and select committees, as well as being a JP.

In addition, Mr. Arton was president of the Mid Ocean Club in St. George's from 1982 to 1985, where he also served as a director, and was an active member of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and Coral Beach and Tennis Club, while he sat on the board of Bermuda Fire & Marine. A keen animal lover, especially horses and dogs, he also judged at a number of agricultural shows.

Mr. Arton celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary to wife Mary in April last year and leaves behind son Gavin and daughter Airlie.