One of the Island's most respected public servants who was awarded the MBE for his work in the community has died.

Pastor Hubert Dean, former Commissioner of Corrections, was 67.

Michael Dunkley yesterday joined Mr Dean's colleagues in praising his contribution to the Department of Corrections and society. Divisional Officer Eugene Bean told The Royal Gazette: “When I first started in the prison service in 1989, Mr Dean was part of the senior officers' team.

“He was a very kind man and would always give you a listening ear. He was also a very fair man and well respected in the profession.

“I kept in touch with Mr Dean once he had retired and got to know him outside of work as well.

“He was always looking towards making the prison a better place to work for everyone.”

Chief Officer Reginald Gomes added: “Hubert Dean was quiet but firm in what he wanted done. Whenever he started a project he would always see it through.

“Working with him, his door was always open. He was always accessible and would drop everything if you wanted some advice from him.”

Mr Dean joined HM Prisons in 1974 because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of people less fortunate than himself.

Over a 28-year term, he rose through the ranks to the role of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons before his retirement in 2002.

He was persuaded out of retirement in 2004 to serve as Commissioner of Corrections for two years, and he fulfilled a vital role in a difficult transitional phase within Corrections. The father of two also served as the assistant pastor at Rehoboth Church in Khyber Pass, Warwick, where his wife, Deborah, is a minister.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 Queen's New Year Honours List.

Mr Dunkley described Pastor Dean as “an exemplary public servant”.

“Mr Dean was a highly respected former Commissioner of Corrections who took on the challenge of leading that Department during a difficult period.

“He was a true professional who provided strong leadership for the men and women of Corrections and significantly advanced the cause of rehabilitation of inmates.

“On behalf of the Ministry of National Security, the Government and people of Bermuda, I express sincere condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.

“We remember him with admiration and great respect.”