politician, businessman and civil rights activist who died on Monday night. He was 80.

Hilton G. Hill MBE was praised by those who knew him as "one of the black pioneers of Bermuda'', in particular for his work in tourism.

His wife Georgine said he was "a hard-working, dignified gentleman'' who would be sorely missed.

"In his own quiet way, he loved and respected his fellow man and his Country.

We'll all miss him, but we hope we can carry on in his spirit,'' she told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

And family friend, Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott, said he made an "extraordinary'' contribution to the Country, both in politics and in business.

"He was truly a son-of-the-soil who was always trying something new and I think I speak for a large number of Bermudians when I say he will be sorely missed.'' Son-in-law and Government MP Dale Butler said he had "a lot of admiration'' for Mr. Hill, who was honoured by the Queen this year, and added that he "made a valuable contribution to Bermuda''.

"He surmounted a number of obstacles and earned a lot of respect in the process, especially from a lot of young politicians he was mentor to,'' he said.

Born in 1920, Mr. Hill, of Hamilton Parish, attended Ms Bernice Joell Tankard's elementary school, Excelsior Preparatory School, and the Berkeley Institute, where he was head boy.

When he left Bermuda in 1937, he attended Boston University's College of Liberal Arts where he majored in Creative English.

From 1940 to 1941, he studied at the New York Institute of Photography and upon returning home he opened Hill Studios on Burnaby Street.

In 1948, he opened the travel agency section of Bermuda Vacations Travel Service.

Mr. Butler noted that his father-in-law was "a hard-working businessman who lived during Bermuda's period of rigid segregation''.

"He was always very proud to recall the part he played in creating the Bermuda Olympic Special Committee to prepare black Bermudian competitors for the 1948 Olympic Games.'' Attempting to follow in his father's footsteps, Mr. Hill missed being elected to the House of Assembly in 1948 and had to wait until 1953 for that honour.

In the House, he served on the Treatment of Offenders Commission and the Select Committee on Race Relations in 1953 chiared by the late Sir Henry Tucker.

Mr. Butler said: "Mr. Hill's speeches about race relations in Bermuda were not well received by the white power holders -- colloquially known as the 40 Thieves -- and this had an impact on his being able to successfully develop his businesses.'' He described how he took "a gigantic risk'' by opening a travel agency branch in New York.

"This became very successful and made him a pioneer in the field of black travel,'' Mr. Butler said. "So extensive were his sources, level of commitment and knowledge, that he was described by his colleagues as travel's universal man.'' In 1976, he became a founding member of the African Travel Association and prior to his retirement, he was well known in tourism circles and a much sought after consultant.

Mr. Butler said he was affectionately known as the Godfather of Black Travel, and noted Mr. Hill received many awards for "widening the world for so many''.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Hill's expertise was never utilised by the Government of the day whose law did more to obstruct coloured people than to assist or develop.'' He described how a 1950s radio address by his father-in-law was cut off in mid-sentence as he gave a speech entitled From the Cradle to the Grave: Segregation.

He was able to present the full version of the speech at a dinner given to commemorate Dr. E.F. Gordon in 1980.

It is also now contained in the book Choir Number One and Choir Number Two.

Mr. Butler said: "His description provides an opportunity to demonstrate the numerous strides that have been made since those dark days.

"It also provides the basis for understanding our current race relations.'' Race relations activist Dr. Eva Hodgson said Mr. Hill made an important contribution to the lives of black Bermudians by "helping to light the fires'' which would later burn down many of the racial inequalities that existed in the community.

"He was one of the first and only black men in the House of Assembly back in the 50s,'' she said. "He was young and progressive and I always thought it was such a shame when he was put out of that position in 1958.

"I suppose it was just a reflection of the time and general mentality that existed back then.'' Dr. Hodgson said she admired Mr. Hill "for his modesty and his gentlemanly qualities'' and added that he was a "real role model'' for aspiring writers and politicians in the way he "fought for justice''.

She described how he was a key player among those who fought for the abolition of segregation in Bermuda's live theatres.

Former Senate President Albert Jackson described Mr. Hill as a "very loyal, kind and appreciative'' friend.

He said he was "one of the pioneers'' in promoting Bermuda's tourism, especially among the African-American community in the United States.

Mr. Hill is survived by his wife, his son Hilton, his daughter June, his sister Carol, his daughter-in-law Carol and grandsons Jay and Russell Butler.

His funeral will take place today at St. Paul AME Church in Hamilton at 4 p.m.

Honoured: Hilton G. Hill and . . . show the 1975 Travel Insiders Guide annual award widening the world of travel Mr. Hill as one of the earliest travel agents to encourage black Bermudians and Americans to travel.