A celebration of the life of former Progressive Labour Party MP and senator Reginald Burrows was held yesterday.

Mr Burrows, who died last week at the age of 83, was remembered by family, friends and fellow politicians during the service attended by hundreds at St Paul AME Church.

Written tributes were also provided by former premiers and PLP party leaders Ewart Brown and Paula Cox, former premier and One Bermuda Alliance leader Michael Dunkley, and Reverend Vernon Lowe and family from Huntingdon, New York. Dr Brown said Mr Burrows was his friend, confidante and “authentic Bermudian gentleman”.

He added: “To the PLP, RB was more than an MP who served for so many years.

“He personally saved the party in numerous situations when others were not in a position to help.” Ms Cox described Mr Burrows as a “real gentleman and a patriot”.

She added: “A decent man has died. He cared about Bermuda and earned the respect of many.”

Mr Dunkley said the keen sportsman and successful businessman was also “a community representative who worked with and led his neighbours and constituents across decades”.

He added: “He embodied, perhaps more than any other, an approach to people and public life that reflected our best characteristics — optimistic, welcoming, respectful and ready to work with all sides to solve problems big and small.”