Fishing expert and former professional photographer S.L. (Pete) Perinchief is being remembered as "a legend" and "a giant" as tributes pour in to his family from around the world following his death earlier this week from cancer. He was 82.

"Pete was a legend as far as Bermuda was concerned," hotelier and former Minister of Tourism David Dodwell said. "He was someone who gave an incredible amount to Bermuda and set the pattern for Bermuda's acclaim as a fishing destination. He was known the world over for his expertise on fishing in general, and Bermuda's marine life and fishing (opportunities) in particular.

"Through promotion and time invested, top notch fishermen were attracted here. Since then, it's probably fair to say that that has gone quiet. I extend my condolences to his family."

Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr. Perinchief's long-time friend, businessman Thomas Dickinson.

"Fishing was Pete's life and he lived and breathed it. It was his reason for being, and he relished every aspect of it," he said. "He single-handedly made Bermuda the fishing destination of choice of many of our visitors, and was widely respected and loved by the worldwide fishing fraternity. He was a giant in the sport of fishing, and was well known for his skilful prowess and delightful sense of humour.

"He will certainly be missed by all who knew him, but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy."

During his long career with the Bermuda Trade Development Board (TDB) and its news arm, the Bermuda News Bureau (BNB) - forerunners of today's Departments of Tourism and Communications and Information - Mr. Perinchief contributed significantly to Bermuda's tourism industry, both through his superlative photographic images and active promotion of sport fishing.

Educated at Saltus Grammar School and Rothesay College in Canada, the young Bermudian longed for a career which combined action with the great outdoors. Initially, he served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War as air crew, and was based in Kent, England.

At war's end, he returned home and joined the photographic team at the TDB. Eventually he rose to become chief photographer of the BNB, where he also mentored several young Bermudians, among them Gene Ray and Roland Skinner, who went on to become successful professionals in their own right.

"I learned a lot from Pete, and had the utmost respect for him," Mr. Ray said. "When he took pictures, his vertical lines and horizons were absolutely straight, and before he made a print everything had to be absolutely organised. He was just incredible, and took some very, very good pictures for Government. I will never forget him as long as I live."

Among the photographer's thousands of scenic and aerial publicity shots of the Island, some of the best-known include his classic morning shot of the Queen of Bermuda sailing through the millpond waters of Two Rock Passage, and an aerial shot of Flatts Inlet, countless copies of which were sold at the Aquarium. A shot of Hamilton Harbour is included in the book `Bermudiana' by Ronnie Williams.

Celebrities of all stripes - royalty, actors, comedians and sportsmen - also found focus in the photographer's lens, including the renowned Canadian portrait photographer, Karsh, all of which were subsequently used to promote the Island.

Around the time Mr. Perinchief joined the TDB as a photographer he was introduced to fishing by the then-head of the Bermuda Aquarium, Louis Mowbray, and it quickly became a passion that was to remain with him throughout his life.

He ultimately became an internationally renowned fly fisherman; designer of artificial flies, including the well-known "Monster"; holder of fishing records; and winner of local and international fishing tournament trophies. He also wrote a guide book on fishing in Bermuda.

"My father's knowledge of fishing was encyclopaedic," paediatrician Dr. Peter Perinchief said. "He had a huge library, including original editions signed by their authors, all of whom he knew personally."

Eventually, Mr. Perinchief left the BNB to become a founding partner in Bermuda Photo Craftsmen. Later, he was the first manager of Bermuda Bowl before returning to the TDB in the 1960s as director of its Fishing Bureau.

There he proved extremely successful in developing and promoting Bermuda as a light tackle game fishing destination.

So well respected in the world of rods and reels was Mr. Perinchief, in fact, that years after his retirement he still received calls drawing on his knowledge and expertise.

On a personal level, he fished all over the world, and was instrumental in having produced a series of Bermuda stamps featuring fish, the illustrations for which were done by the famous wildlife artist, Maynard Reece.

Mr. Perinchief is survived by his widow, Lillian Edna (Eddy), son Dr. Peter Perinchief and daughter Shelda Semerjian, their spouses, and four grandchildren.

A reception of remembrance and farewell will be held next Thursday at Dr. Perinchief's home, `Quadrille', 6 McGall's Bay Drive, Smith's from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.