Bermuda’s self-titled poet priest, Glen Iris, died last week at the age of 65.

While Mr Iris endured a difficult childhood and several stumbling blocks, he used his experiences as fuel to create inspirational poetry, which he would perform both on the stage and at impromptu performances across the island.

Friend and artistic partner Dale Butler said yesterday that he was shocked by Mr Iris’s passing, noting that he had been set to perform in his upcoming production Pickles and Spiced Ham.

“He was a very nice guy and always very helpful,” Mr Butler said. “He was good with his hands and a wonderful sense of humour. He was very personable with people. They just liked him.”

Mr Iris began writing poetry in the 1970s, saying he fell in love with the art after being introduced to the work of the late Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran while in prison. Despite having struggled with writing and spelling in school, Mr Iris said he was so inspired that he started writing poetry and songs.

He told The Royal Gazette that he started calling himself a “poet priest” last year after he played a minister in Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.

“If I can inspire just one reader, then putting my life out there is worth it,” he said. “I don’t perform for entertainment; I do it to minister.

“I have been to hell and back, but it shines a light on the fact that you can make it if you try. I’m not saying I have conquered all my demons, but my message to young people is under no circumstances are you to give up.”

A collection of his work, Wrapped in God’s Love, was published in 1995, and Mr Butler said that work on a second collection had begun before his passing.

Mr Butler said he felt blessed to have worked with Mr Iris, describing him as a naturally talented artist.

“I would just hum a tune and Glen could just find the words and the rhymes in a heartbeat,” he said.

“When we did the Second Last Supper, we had to build about ten benches in my home, which was about a quarter of a mile away from the church. We didn’t have the budget to rent a truck, so he and I carried the benches and stuff all the way there under our arms. He was a great working partner. He was a carpenter, a mason and a designer when needed. I was very fortunate to have him there as a partner and as a friend.”

Mr Butler added that Pickles and Spiced Ham would be dedicated to Mr Iris, who in addition to being scheduled to perform in the show he had played a role in finding the show’s title.

Mr Iris’s passing was also recognised in the House of Assembly on Friday, with community minister Pamela Gordon-Pamplin saying she was “stunned” by his sudden death.

Progressive Labour Party MP Diallo Rabain paid tribute by reading one of Mr Iris’s poems to the House.