Most people knew Carroll Pendleton Loving as a master electrician; a skilled handyman who would drop everything to help another and someone who at one time or another had fixed almost every power supply on the island.

Known affectionately as “CP”, he was renowned for his kind nature and willingness to help young apprentices.

But behind the day job was a committed family man, a Christian and a nature lover who enjoyed sailing his Boston Whaler with his sons and exploring parks and beaches with his metal detector.

Mr Loving passed away on February 16 after a three-month battle with leukaemia. He was 69.

This week friends and family paid tribute to the prominent member of the First Baptist Church in Devonshire, who regularly volunteered for the church’s food kitchen.

His daughter, Kristin Divine, said her father was devoted to his five children and seven grandchildren.

“My dad was very outgoing and always wanted to have his children outdoors with him,” she said. “He had a love of nature and I remember heading out with him to walk the beach collecting shell casings from when the Regiment had done target practice on the grassy fields at Horseshoe.

“He loved sharing his love of the water with his children and spent many nights on his boat fishing, swimming, knee-boarding and lobster diving. He was always eager to support charities and causes he believed in, including his most recent effort to help the people of Israel return home after years as refugees.”

Shawn Loving said his father played an influential role in Bermuda’s electricity trade, working at several hotels, the hospital, the incinerator, the airport and banks in Hamilton.

“He left lasting impressions on many for his daredevil stunts at work and left others in awe with his knowledge and skill,” he added. “However, he was always humble and never thought what he did was all that spectacular unless he was firing tennis balls from his home-made cannon.

“My father spent his life in Bermuda teaching, working and learning. Even though he was from Virginia, Bermuda has lost a piece of itself with him passing.”

Mr Loving grew up in Richmond and joined the US Navy in 1966. He was stationed between the United States and Bermuda from 1966 to 1970 and moved here permanently in 1977.

He initially worked with Universal Electric for 22 years before later joining BAS-Serco as a senior airfield electrician at the airport for 11 years.

Colleagues said Mr Loving had always lived up to his surname.

“His attention to detail was second to none,” said James Thigpen, who worked with Mr Loving for five years. “One of the main responsibilities of the Airfield Lighting Department is to inspect the lights on a daily basis. CP could be seen either early in the morning or late at night driving up and down the runways making sure each lightbulb was functioning, including the lights in the water to the north and east of the airfield. He always wanted to make you smile.”

Mr Loving volunteered his services at the Rugby Classic and installed lighting for the annual Mount St Agnes Bazaar. He also helped as a traffic marshal for the Bermuda Long Riders.

Close friend Eugene Walker said: “When I think of Carroll the first thing that comes to mind is generosity. He would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. He also had a good sense of humour and was a practical joker.

“I will always remember Carroll and his wife for their kindness. From the two mission trips to Belize we participated in, my best memory was helping him bring electric lights to a church in the jungle. He was a knowledgeable and skilled electrician and overall handyman.”

First Baptist Church pastor, Gordon Shaw, added: “He was instrumental in many areas of the maintenance of the building over the years. He had a love for people and he really shared his love. You knew where you stood with Carroll; he was honest and transparent.”

A memorial service for Mr Loving will be held on March 6 at 3pm at the First Baptist Church.