Much has been said and written about this legend over the past few weeks. Hundreds have sent in tributes from around the world.

Tens of thousands have benefited from his fight to ensure equality in the workplace for Bermudians.

Last week, the church that many have dubbed the “Union’s Church”, aka Bishop Goodwin C. Smith’s church, was filled to capacity with those who came to pay their respects to whom many regard as one of the greatest minds in Bermudian labour relations.

Who could not sit in the pews stood in the aisles. Who could not get a copy of the tribute book shared with those who could. In doing so, they showed the foundation of what this legend stood for, unity.

Many of Bermuda’s leaders took turns in giving their testimony of what this gentleman had done, not just for themselves, but more so what he had done for Bermuda and Bermudians during the course of his lifetime. Many facts that many had no idea about, as he was not one to stand on a milk crate and boast.

Yet on this day, others stood at the pulpit and spilt the beans on his feats.

When the service was over, a guard of honour was formed by his friends and their angling rods. He passed under the tunnel on to his final chariot ride, escorted by hundreds in a traditional, time-honoured, drum-led march for all Bermudian union leaders.

Along the way to his final resting place, he was respectfully saluted by hundreds who paused in their cars as his procession went by. Such was the universal mark of respect that the entire Island had for this man of the people.

On behalf of my generation and all those behind us, we thank you for your life work for the betterment of all.

A proud student of Central School. A proud Berkeleyite. A proud union member. A proud father. A proud grandfather. A proud Bermudian. Eugene Blakeney MBE. United we stand. Onwards and upwards.