Bartender Reginald Eugene (Yice) Wilkinson ? hailed as one of Bermuda's best loved ambassadors ? died last week after a long illness. He was 62.

He was remembered this week as a singer, magician and a fine all-round sportsman, who was rich in both family and good friends. He also made his mark at Cup Match where hundreds flocked to his Crown and Anchor table.

Yice worked for a host of bars and night clubs, including Casey's Lounge, Four Aces, The Touch, Spinning Wheel, Galaxy, Hamilton Princess and Nice Yice. In his early years he was a singer in a group called the Melody Four, with radio personality Kelly Zuill, Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation director Brenton (Tony) Roberts and Kenneth Burrows. The group was managed by his life-long friend Earl Iris.

His wife of 32 years Linda Jacobs-Wilkinson said everyone loved her Yice, locals, tourists and even one of Bermuda's former Governors Desmond Langley, who dropped in to Court Street bar Swinging Doors to say goodbye en route to the Airport.

She said: "American tourists called him Nice Yice ? because he was so nice they named him twice."

"He was really gifted and kind," she said, "If it was someone's birthday, he would sing to them and he always had a cake for them ? if not a cup cake.

"He was just happy to see people happy."

Yice's son Allan (Alley) Wilkinson said he always remembered his dad getting ready for work when he was growing up. "This went on until I became of age to have a cocktail," said Allan, "And then I was able to appreciate that side of him."

Alan reminisced about playing Crown and Anchor at his father's table and went just to be with him.

"He'd give you money to play ? he didn't want you just hanging around the table not playing."

His elder son Anthony (Tony) Wilkinson said he was like the Pied Piper of people and said: "It was evident that wherever he moved the crowds moved with him. "They even moved to the heart of Court Street."

Tony added that growing up, they not only heard what a nice person he was, but also that he was a star cricketer.

"He always exaggerated about other people, but when he talked about himself, he was modest," he said.

"He always elevated other people and to hear people speak about him is really special."

Like Yice, Tony sang as well and had produced a demo and one day his father rang up and told him to come immediately.

On arrival, he said he was shocked to see the band The Four Tops playing his tape and having a barbecue.

Yice had many friends in the entertainment industry such as the band the Manhattans and comedian Wild Man Steve.

Tony said one of his memorable moments was when he went to see his father in Galaxy and there were only two patrons.

"He was entertaining them and they were mesmerised by his jokes," he said.

"It didn't matter that the bar was empty, that image always stuck in my mind, as usually bar owners would say that they would close early."

His sons added that their father always knew what people wanted and took pleasure in his job.

"People would come up to the bar and he would say 'oh your drink is right there'," they said.

"He certainly made you feel special."

In later years Yice had to cut down on his drinking and instead of explaining this to patrons who wanted to buy him a shot, he would fill up an empty bottle of vodka and when they offered him a drink, he'd have a shot of water instead.

Allan said: "When they hear this they will probably say 'and he probably made me pay for it too'."

Yice is survived by his wife Linda, sons Anthony and Allan, daughters-in-law Marcia and Linda, grandchildren Nicole, Allan Jr., Stephanie, Allicia, Marcal, and many other family members and friends.

His funeral is today at 2 p.m.