Touching tributes have been paid to former multiple May 24 Marathon Derby champion Calvin (Baldy) Hansey Sr., whose death was confirmed yesterday.

The 75-year-old had been missing since August 27.

A man's body found at a Field View Lane, Pembroke property on Wednesday has now been identified by Police as Mr. Hansey.

What caused his death is not yet known, however an autopsy has been carried out.

Mr. Hansey has been described as a loving, dedicated father who would do anything for his family. His daughter Coralita Hansey-Durham spoke to The Royal Gazette yesterday about her memories of her father.

"I will miss his smile. My daddy was always happy", she said.

"His dedication to his children. He was someone you can count on. He was dedicated. He would be there for you and he would do it. No sacrifice was too big or too small for his kids."

She said her father grew up on Parsons Road and went to Central School.

He was the third child of Mildred and Arthur Hansey, behind Virginia and Wilbur.

"He loved reading, researching. He was always up on the latest research. He loved to play cards and dominoes. He played cards and dominoes with his grandson.

"Right up until last year, he still walked. He stopped running but he was walking."

Mr. Hansey Sr.'s disappearance sparked a 10-day search. He was reported missing on August 30 after he hadn't been seen by family members.

Police and members of the community searched for him until his body was finally found on Wednesday.

Asked how she felt when she discovered her father was missing, Mrs. Hansey-Durham said: "It was unreal. It was very devastating. My brother was out there day and night looking and searching.

"It was very difficult. We would just like to thank everybody."

Son Calvin Hansey Jr. said: "He was a very quiet and secretive man with a loving heart. He never smoked or drank alcohol. He will be sadly missed by his children and grandchildren."

In his earlier years, Mr. Hansey worked for Mello's Bakery and right up until his retirement, he worked as a newspaper distributor for Phoenix and BGA.

His daughter said: "He was dedicated to this job. If he said he was going to do it, he did it. No sacrifice was too big.

"He loved to play the guitar with his grandson. He was really excited about his new grandson. He was a great dad."

Mr. Hansey Sr. was a well-known athlete winning the Bermuda Day Marathon Derby four times.

Mrs. Hansey-Durham said her father also ran the New York Marathon in 1973 and came in seventh.

"He ran a mile off course and still came in seventh", she said with the smile.

Mr. Hansey Sr. first ran, and won, the Derby in 1969. Mrs. Hansey-Durham said: "He won in 1970 beating the second place runner by 11 minutes. No one's beaten anybody by that distance ever.

"He won in 1969, 1970, 1972 and his last race was 1974. He ran the New York Marathon in 1973 and that's why he didn't run 24th of May."

She continued: "He kept fit by lifting weights and doing squats and eating a Muslim diet. Everyone he met commented on his shyness."

In addition to running, Mr. Hansey Sr. was in a band and recorded a Calypso album which is still played today. His daughter said he still wrote songs up until last year.

He had two grandchildren Jasiah Durham, 10, and Dante Hansey, one.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan offered condolences to Mr. Hansey Sr.'s family and said: "He struck me as a dignified man and a particular consistency about this quiet 'Champion' that I admired.

"He commanded respect by his accomplishments and his work ethic elevated him above his peers and challengers. I am saddened that his life came to an end in this manner.

"On behalf of my Family and my colleagues in the United Bermuda Party we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Calvin 'Baldy' Hansey."

Mr. Hansey Sr. will be buried this morning.