A model probation officer ... a devoted and dedicated civil servant ... a man whose wisdom Bermuda will sorely miss ...

Lawyers yesterday paid tribute to Vincent Ratteray, Bermuda's longest-serving probation officer who retired on Thursday.

And amid the good wishes, praise and gratitude, a little mystery was noted: How did such a popular man get the nickname "Butcher''.

Senior Magistrate Will Francis suspected he knew the answer, but he wasn't letting on.

Sixty-three-year-old Mr. Ratteray received his send-off at Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon.

Lawyer Patricia Harvey moved that a "well-deserved'' tribute be made to the man who spent 34 years as a probation officer.

Leighton Rochester, for the Attorney General's Chambers, said: "I have been impressed by the devotion, dedication and discipline that he has exemplified in his position as probation officer, and one which is a model not only for whom he served but also for the wider community.'' Mr. Rochester described Probation Services as an important spoke in the wheel of the justice system.

Turning to Mr. Ratteray, he said: "I would like to extend sincere good wishes. We are indebted to you.'' Mr. Rochester also touched on a riddle surrounding Mr. Ratteray, who on several occasions served as Acting Principal Senior Probation Officer.

"One of the traditions or customs or folklore in these Islands is that we are dubbed with nicknames.

"Sometimes when Christian names are used we don't know who people are talking about.

"It is unfortunate Mr. Vincent Ratteray has been dubbed with the name `Butcher'.'' Mr. Rochester could throw no light on how the nickname had come about.

Lawyer Peter Smith said he had known Mr. Ratteray for many years.

And he believed it unfortunate that experienced civil servants, with still so much wisdom to offer the community, retired.

"Probation Services is a very important part of the justice system. It helps people to turn their lives around and saves Government vast sums of money.'' Mr. Smith pointed out Mr. Ratteray had served in the Post Office before becoming a probation officer.

"He has now come to the end of 40 years in public service. One must never deny the contribution of the Civil Service to the community. We should all be extremely grateful.'' Mr. Francis said Mr. Ratteray had greatly assisted him over the years in imposing proper sentences.

One of the functions of probation officers is to compile social inquiry reports, which delve into the background of an offender.

"Sometimes I can't understand what caused a person to do something and a social inquiry report helps me to understand.

"I know Mr. Ratteray knows this community very well, particularly in the area in which he served.

"He knows families right from the grandpa on up. I have been very impressed with him.'' Mr. Francis could imagine the great satisfaction Mr. Ratteray must have felt at turning someone's life around.

"It must give a great deal of job satisfaction to see former clients as businessmen.'' Mr. Francis echoed Mr. Smith's sentiments on the retirement of civil servants with still a lot to offer the community.

"I certainly wish Mr. Ratteray all the best. I thank him for the many years of service.''