Bermuda lost one of her internationally respected architects this week with the death of Stanley Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy was hailed yesterday as a pioneering black architect who passed on the joy of his profession to young Bermudians.

He died on Thursday night after a fight with cancer. He was in his 70s.

Mr. Kennedy, of Urban Design Associates, has been described by many as being a great and honourable man, who took his profession as an architect, to new levels.

Former Partner Henry Ming said that he always dressed like a lecturer of architecture and although their partnership ended they remained the best of friends.

"We met regularly ? it really wasn't any different ? he was always around," said fellow architect Mr. Ming.

Most of Mr. Kennedy's friends told that he was always sure to be attired in a little bow tie and a jacket.

Architect Colin Campbell of OBM International said Mr. Kennedy had gained his architectural degree and a masters degree in unban planning from Columbia University.

"The professors dressed like that," said Mr. Campbell. "He was a man who educated himself in the classics could quote Maya Angelou to Shakespeare ? he would recite poetry to my daughter. He came up in a time when the odds were against black men, but he pushed through, fared the New York cold and became and architect."

He added: "When Mr. Kennedy took over the IBA there were only 13 members ? a baker's dozen, but now there are over 150 members."

Mr. Campbell also noted that he, the late Eugene Cox and Walter Brangman all went to school in Canada at the same time.

Mr. Kennedy, who was born to Jamaican parents and was raised by a single mother, also was very interested in passing his joy of his profession on to young Bermudians.

Permanent Secretary Brian Rowlinson, who knew him for at least 25 years, said he met him when he was the Bermuda planning inspector, based in Jamaica.

"He had a great belief in training Bermudians in architecture, especially black Bermudians ? he helped many people to develop the skill and love for architecture.

Great friend and fellow architect on the Architects Registry Council, where he was chairman Fraser Butterworth said he was still very much in shock about the death of his dear friend, who he met with once or twice a week.

"He was a great guy ? I shall miss our talks," said Mr. Butterworth. "He was one of the most professional people that I had ever met."

Corporation of St. George's town manager Lance Furbert said he was always available and his work in St. George's helped with it being accepted as a World Heritage site.

Life long friend Walter Brangman said they met when they were teenagers some 60-odd years ago and they have been friends ever since.

"I refer to him as a poem of great men of honour," said Mr. Brangman. Mr. Kennedy is survived by his two children.