Tributes were paid yesterday to two senior civil servants who died unexpectedly at the weekend — Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Clarence Davis and Tax Commissioner Michael Crichlow.

Mr. Davis is understood to have suffered a stroke on Saturday afternoon, while Mr. Crichlow died suddenly on Sunday while in Canada, according to colleagues. Craig Clarke, chairman of the Prison Officers Association (POA), said Mr. Davis turned 50 on October 9, was married with a daughter and was a "giant of a man".

"I called him the gentle giant," he said. "He was a jovial character. He was one of the most hardworking, most industrious persons I have ever had the good privilege to work under. He was one of the best administrators this department has seen."

He said Mr. Davis — a former vice-chairman of the POA — would be difficult to replace. "It's come to the people here as a shock," said Mr. Clarke. "It was dreadful to come to work this morning and Mr. Davis was not present.

"On behalf of the POA, we'd like to send our condolences to the family."

Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Col. David Burch also sent his condolences to Davis' family, calling him: "A committed and dedicated member of the corrections family who will be sorely missed."

Mr. Davis joined the prison service in 1984, as a caterer, but quickly found he enjoyed working with prisoners and rose through the ranks to become Assistant Commissioner in 2006.

Mr. Crichlow, 62, became Tax Commissioner in August 2008, after joining Government in 1994 as a tax examiner.

Over the years, he held the positions of senior tax auditor; assistant tax commissioner, audit and compliance; and training liaison officer.

Finance Minister Paula Cox said yesterday: "Mr. Crichlow was always helpful and keen to assist when I liaised with him. I recall sitting next to him at an industry lunch not too long after his appointment. He was personable and charming; however, what was most memorable was his earnestness and keen desire to be effective in his new role.

"The e-mails of condolence that have been received throughout the Ministry of Finance once the sad news became generally know on Sunday is a testament to the impact that Mr. Crichlow had, not just within his office and the Ministry of Finance, but the wider Civil Service.

"He will be sorely missed and our prayers and thoughts are with his family during their time of bereavement."

Financial secretary Donald Scott said: "Staff in all departments within the Ministry of Finance were deeply saddened to hear of Michael Crichlow's sudden passing. His own staff in the Tax Commissioner's Office were devastated by the news. Michael was a consummate professional, who was highly regarded by colleagues in Bermuda and by his international counterparts.

"In fact in 2009, Michael was elected onto the executive council of the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations that included representatives from Latin America, the United States of America, Canada and Europe.

"Michael was an effective department head and will be missed for his sage advice and thoughtful contributions to senior meetings within Ministry of Finance. We extend our sincere condolences to his family."

Mr. Crichlow was also treasurer of Bermuda Public Services Union. BPSU general secretary Ed Ball said: "His passing has certainly come as a massive shock to many of us — it's beyond words.

"Michael had the kind of infectious personality that whoever he met could not help but admire him and be awestruck by his ability to think things through and problem solve.

"Most of all, he was kindhearted, fair and always keen to see both sides of an argument."