Tributes have been paid to former United Bermuda Party executive officer Bob Law, who died at the Lahey Clinic in Boston after suffering from cancer.

Former premier Sir John Swan described Mr. Law as a meticulous, organised and articulate individual who oversaw the affairs of the United Bermuda Party from the 1970s until 1982.

Sir John said: "He gave very wise and equal counsel to all members of the party, whether you were a cabinet minister, a back-bencher or simply a member. He was a traditionalist by heart, but recognised change had to come if Bermuda was going to respond to the needs of the majority of its people. Thus, he found balance between his own personal ideals and the role he had to fulfil as the executive officer of the United Bermuda Party.

"He was a man for his time and his presence will be truly missed, but his contribution, although not recognised by the wider community, is truly acknowledged by myself and others who were associated with him.

Mr. Law was also one of the founders of the `Concerned Bermudians' group, whose main aim was the issue of independence in the early 1990s.

David Skinner was also a member and worked closely with Mr. Law. He said: "I had a great respect for his judgement, he was a good man, he was very sound politically and very savvy. I was saddened and shocked to hear of his death."

"All the supporters of the party were indebted to him," said McNeil Warner.

Another friend, Edgar Wilkinson, said: "He helped the party through some pretty rough spots - he was always on the front line. I hold him in the highest esteem."

Mr. Law's son, Bruce Law, added: "Bermuda is a better place because of him. He always liked to help and was always involved in politics. He always had Bermuda's best interest at heart."

UBP leader Dr. Grant Gibbons said: "He paid the greatest attention to detail and was a very dedicated member of the party. He helped to form the UBP constitution, which has evolved over the years.

"He came back to work with us in 2001 and 2002 as executive officer, when the party was going through a bad patch.

He leaves a wife, Elsie, son, Bruce, daughter-in-law, Donna, and grandchildren Kristan and Stephanie.

The funeral will take place today.