A popular Somerset resident who recently lost his fight against cancer was the subject of warm tributes in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Ralph Wilmar (Puddin) Wade, of Cooks Hill Road, died on May 27, leaving wife Cheryl, twin sons Nasir and Nadir and daughter Nadia. He was in the 57th year of his life.

A mainframe telephone technician for the Bermuda Telephone Company, which he joined aged 17, Mr. Wade was well known for his love of football and cricket. He coached the junior programme at Somerset Cricket Club for 12 years and supported Chelsea football club in the UK and Brazil internationally.

The tributes to him were led by Minister of Labour Randolph Horton who sent his condolences to the family. Minister Without Portfolio Walter Lister described Mr. Wade as ?a young man who contributed much to the West End community.?

Finance Minster Paula Cox ? a relative of Cheryl Wade through her grandfather ? said that the family had lost ?an oak? and asked fellow MPs to keep them in their prayers.

Mrs. Wade later said she was pleased to hear tributes had been paid to her husband in Parliament. ?He came off as standoffish, but once he got to know you there was a lot of love,? she said. ?He said what he meant and meant what he said, and he called a spade a spade.?

Mrs. Wade said her husband was very proud of the achievements of his children. Nasir and Nadir have both completed Bachelor of Science degrees in engineering and are studying for their Masters and Nadia is preparing to go to medical school.

?He was a family man,? she explained.

Mr. Wade?s funeral was held at St. James Church, Somerset, yesterday afternoon, at which mourners wore the colours of their choice rather than black, according to his wishes.