Bermuda's first Premier.

Lady Richards died last week after suffering a heart attack. She was 76.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan led the tributes, saying Sir Edward Richards would not have been so successful without his wife.

"Lady Richards was a gracious lady whose quiet but dignified presence provided the solid foundation which helped to bring about her husband's success in the political arena as much as it helped her to provide a loving and nurturing environment for her three children -- each of whom has achieved outstanding success in the law, in business and in education.'' Sir John said Lady Richards had been a teacher of commerce at St. George's Secondary School.

"She really was a lady of the soil.'' Lady Richards, added Sir John, came from a basic background.

"She grew up on the South Shore in Warwick amid brick ovens, zinc bath tubs and chickens and piglets outside, destined to be the next Sunday's dinner.'' Sir John said Lady Richards found great joy and satisfaction in working with a number of community organisations.

"These included the hospital's extended care unit, the Lorraine Rest Home in Warwick, the Women's Guild, the Matilda Smith-Williams Home, Lefroy House and, more recently, Agape House.'' Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade associated himself with Sir John's remarks.

"Lady Richards was a pillar of strength for her husband,'' he said.

Shadow Works Minister Mr. Walter Roberts declared: "If ever there was a lady, Lady Richards was a lady.'' And Community Affairs Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert remembered Lady Richards as someone who was dignified and believed in discipline.

Also joining in the tributes were Deputy Opposition leader and Shadow Education Minister Ms Jennifer Smith , Mr. Harry Soares , Shadow Transport Minister Mr. Dennis Lister , Mr. Walter Lister , Health Minister the Hon.

Quinton Edness , Mr. Stanley Morton , and Shadow Minister of Delegated & Legislative Affairs Mrs. Lois Browne Evans .

In his address, the Premier continued by touching on the Thanksgiving service at the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton.

It was notable for its poignancy since it marked the last time the United States Navy would be involved in that observance, he said.

Added Sir John: "That service was noteworthy for other reasons as well, Mr.

Speaker.

"It was a reminder of the very close -- and very friendly -- ties which the Government and people of Bermuda have had with the United States Navy and, before the Navy, the United States Air Force.

"We in Bermuda have good reason to celebrate, and to give thanks for, the wonderful relationship we have shared with our American friends and neighbours and we believe, Mr. Speaker, that even with the withdrawal of the US military from our shores, our friendship with the United States will remain undiminished.'' Sir John asked for a message of congratulations be sent to the US Consul General in Bermuda on the Thanksgiving service.

He also applauded the performances in the recent Premier's Concert.

Mr. Wade, for his part, congratulated Mr. Derek Dillas for his recent promotion to Assistant Postmaster General East/Air Mail Facility.

Mr. Dillas had been a "long-time servant of Government'', said Mr. Wade.

"I wish him well in his new posting''.

Mr. Wade also congratulated Capt. Edward Lamb who is bidding farewell to Government House as his tenure as Lord Waddington's aide-de-camp ends on December 1.

"I think Mr. Lamb has brought a certain style and dignity to the job,'' said Mr. Wade.

Mr. Wade's deputy, Ms Smith, congratulated the Bermuda Commercial Bank for sponsoring the arts, and also praised the Masterworks Foundation on its latest exhibition.

Ms Smith, MP for St. George's North, continued by applauding Mr. George Dowling Jr., who dived into rough seas in St. George's last week to rescue a two-year-old boy.

Several MPs heaped praise on Mrs. Janet Lambert, who is retiring from the Immigration Department, where she worked as a travel documents officer.

They wished her well in retirement.

Government backbencher Mr. Trevor Moniz , MP for Smith's South, voiced regret over the deaths of Ms Sarah Elizabeth Zuill and James Harrington (Jimmy) Zuill, both of whom lived in Smith's Parish.

He then asked for a letter of congratulations to be sent to Sunfish World champion Mr. Malcolm Smith, and Spanish Point Boat Club.

Mr. Moniz went on to congratulate players in the Not the Um Um Show, and the Portuguese Cultural Association.

Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ms Renee Webb praised the organisers of a benefit show, Time Tunnel, for liver transplant patient Mr. Ainsworth Burgess.