Albert Jackson, husband of Shadow Health and Seniors Minister Louise Jackson, died yesterday following a year-long battle with cancer.

Mr. Jackson, 90, served as the first chairman of the Human Rights Commission and as Senate president for 11 years.

He was also noted for his charity work with the Bermuda Nursing Council, the Apprenticeship and Training Council and the Bermuda Marriage Guidance Council.

But he was most proud of his professional role as an educator, explained his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Jackson.

"My husband was a giant of a man who served his Country most of his life. He was an educator and a teacher first and foremost and when asked what his profession was, even when head of Senate, would always answer he was an educator and teacher, that was his passion in life."

In 1969, Mr. Jackson was appointed Justice of the Peace. He was twice honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours, receiving an MBE in 1977 and a CBE in 1996.

He leaves behind three daughters. Carol Ann, 64, Deborah, 52, and Susan, 47.

Mrs. Jackson said: "He was a true gentleman in every respect. He was a devout Christian and he had an overriding love for his Country and his family. The other thing is he had mature judgement and he would usefully use it in so many advisory capacities.

"He had great wisdom and that comes with age and experience.

"As past president of Senate for so many years I think he made his mark there and really earned the respect of so many senators throughout his tenure."

The many contributions he made to the Island were highlighted by politicians from both the Progressive Labour Party and the United Bermuda Party last night.

Premier Ewart Brown said: "On behalf of my family and the Government I would like to express sincere sympathy to Mrs. Louise Jackson and her family.

"Albert Jackson was in my parents' wedding party and I knew him for most of my life. He was a kind and gentle man, who served his Country in education and then politics with dignity and class."

Opposition leader Kim Swan described Mr. Jackson as "a natural statesman, someone who always had the very best interests of Bermudians and our Island home at the forefront of his thinking".

"He got along well with people from all sections of society and navigated a political life that earned him deep respect from all those who worked with him. He carried himself with an Old World charm and dignity that was admired across the Island."

Mr. Swan continued: "My heart goes out to his wife, Louise Jackson, my political colleague. Albert and Louise were an inseparable team. I truly admired how they continued to do things together, always each day for every occasion. They were role models in so many ways, on so many levels. Bermuda has lost a good man. May he rest in peace."

Former Premier Alex Scott was Mr. Jackson's nephew.

He said: "He was a very special person from a very special family. He contributed to Bermuda in many different ways he was a teacher, principal and officer at the Ministry of Education. In that regard he touched the lives of many Bermudians as a role model, as an example and as an educator of exceptional ability and character."

Mr. Scott said his uncle gave him advice and guidance throughout the years, particularly during his time as a student at Temple University in Philadelphia. He added: "It was his advice and confidence in how I conducted myself in politics and Parliament that went a long way towards contributing to the fact that I ended up [becoming] Premier in Bermuda."

Health Minister Walter Roban also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family.

"Bermuda has lost a good servant," he said. "I think it is important for the public to know that in spite of the sparring that goes on between a Minister and the Shadow Minister (Mrs. Jackson), politics does not preclude friendship. Mr. Jackson was always supportive of me and he took an interest in my progress."