Jan DeSilva will be fondly remembered as a loyal friend, devoted Regiment soldier, avid sports fan and beloved son, say those who knew him best.

Mr. DeSilva's father, Edward (Blip) DeSilva and countless friends of Jan took time to talk to The Royal Gazette yesterday about the man they remembered who had a "heart of gold".

Mr. DeSilva, of Paget, died from injuries sustained in a crash when he lost control of his cycle while negotiating a curve along East Broadway, near Corkscrew Hill, on Sunday.

His father said he will always treasure the father and son activities they did together when 32-year-old Jan was a boy.

"I used to take him swimming every day in the summer," said Jan's father. "We went boating and golfing and he was really good with his hands."

The senior DeSilva said the reality of his son's death has not quite hit him yet and he quietly recalled the last time he saw his son.

"I saw him at the house on Saturday and he said `okay dad, check you later' and then he was in an accident on Sunday," Mr. DeSilva said. "I went to the hospital and there he was in Intensive Care."

Mr. DeSilva said that his son was a loyal member of the Bermuda Regiment, serving as a Corporal.

And he recalled Jan's recent service during the embodiment of the army during the September 11 events as one of his proudest memories of his son.

The Governor's Aide de Camp Marc Telemaque recounted the tour of service Mr. DeSilva performed during his Regiment duty having served in the Motor Transport unit for several years as well as serving as a driver for the Governor. And he pointed out that Jan's dedication came from his love of Country.

"He had been driving for us for some time," Mr. Telemaque said. "I have worked with him as a soldier and can say that he was always very respectful, cordial and always willing and able."

In Jan's lifetime, long time friend Alec Powell said, he amassed dozens of friends who were drawn to him because of his spirit and love of helping people.

Mr. Powell, a friend of Jan since childhood said he will miss his "buddy" dearly.

"We used to race bikes together when we used to live up at Gibb's Hill. He was a great mechanic, really good with his hands. This really hits close to home. Even though everyone has gone their separate ways, Jan has always been there. He would do anything for anybody. He was really remembered in the ex-pat community."

Mr. Powell said Jan was a tremendous figure among the Front Street pubs, hanging out at Docksider's or Flanagan's to watch Nascar races, American football or rugby games.

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