It was hardly surprising that the homegoing service for Bermuda's widely popular softball supremo Mike Preece drew so many passionate and glowing tributes and attracted such a large crowd of saddened family, friends and fans.

Mike (inset right) had travelled the world as a softball umpire and ambassador extraordinary. And it was from many of those quarters that tributes had been pouring in during the ten days that elapsed when news of his sudden passing was made public for the first time on the floor of the House of Assembly. The House was unanimous in recording its grief. Three hard-boiled MPs were so emotionally overcome they openly shed tears.

Mike was in his 66th year when he passed away. Just over a month beforehand, he had been formally inducted into the international Softball Federation by the Federation's International vice-president, Dale McMann. At that auspicious event at Fairmont Southampton the Government revealed its decision to name the softball diamond at Bernard Park after him.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda at the homegoing service, said he "would be comforted by the knowledge that even as we come to bid farewell we are also here to celebrate the life, hard work and worth of Mike Preece who did so much for so many in such a truly selfless and unassuming manner.

"As such," the minister went on, "Mike was truly one of Bermuda's national treasures."

Although small in stature, Mike had a big name. It was Walter Michael Collingwood Preece. The congregation applauded Mr. Butler as he said: "He served this country and its people with a genuine desire to help; and with little thought to the times and demands made upon himself."

The obituary at the service was read by Acting Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox. She said naming the softball diamond after Mike was a richly deserved accolade, given his truly extraordinary dedication to the facility.

"Michael was a kind, loving, caring, extremely professional, stern and powerful individual with a deep passion and commitment for the sport he loved. He was a man of purpose. He did what he did because it had to be done. He was a man who walked the walk, and talked the talk. He most definitely was the man to call when the count was full and the bases loaded. He was an umpire on the softball field, but on the field of life he was your home hitter," said Ms Cox.

Mr. Butler noted that Mr. Preece began working with the Department of Youth & Sport in January 1977 and was still giving such incredible and valuable service up until his passing. "He had an abundance of energy. Mike enjoyed his job and he willingly took charge. No matter what the assignment, Mike Preece could be depended upon to rally his troops and get the job done," he said.

"For many years, Mike worked with the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, providing valuable service and much needed assistance. He tirelessly worked long hours to ensure that programmes organised by the officers were effectively designed and laid out in such a manner that members of the public would enjoy them without safety being compromised.

"Whatever task or challenge was presented to him, Mike Preece rose to the occasion with his customary willingness, efficiency and skill."

Mr. Butler went on to say Mike always willingly shared his wisdom and knowledge about the best way to lay out the programme or design the grounds. It was for this reason and because of his years of experience in handling mammoth events that his word was so highly valued and respected.

"Mike made sure bandstands, bleachers, tents, stalls, port-a-loos, dumpsters, the smooth flow of human and vehicular traffic were all in place; and when the show was done and the fanfare was over the site was restored and refreshed in a timely manner.

"Laying out the field, moving heavy equipment was just one aspect of his life. Mike Preece also had a love and a passion for softball.

"He worked tirelessly to make sure our young people developed their skills and enjoyed the sport. Mike was at the pinnacle of his career when recently he was inducted into the International Softball Hall of Fame."

The decision to have the Bernard Park Softball Diamond named in his honour was most fitting and timely, he said.

"His passion extended to music, singing and dancing. He was a DJ in his hey-day. Recently, he shared that he was once crowned 'King of the Twist', dethroning the great Chubby Checker!

"His chuckle and smile of this feat revealed that this was a special moment for him!

"Quiet talks with Mike Preece allowed one to understand that this was a man with a great big heart. He was a wise man; one on whom you could always depend. He was a well-organised individual.

"He has left a huge chasm in our lives. Mike Preece will be difficult to replace! We are left to wonder, where can we find a multi-tasked person like Michael Preece? He will be greatly missed," Mr. Butler stated.

Officiating at the homegoing service was the Rev. Canon James W. Francis, Rector of Christ Church. Others paying tribute were Pastor Nelody Dawn Grant, a niece; Darius Richardson, nephew, who both read the Scriptures; Norbert Simons, director of Youth & Sport; Brenda Dale, a former director; the education officer of the Bermuda Industrial Union, Colin Simmons, who spoke on behalf of the Joint Labour Day Organising Committee; and a representative of the Bahamas Softball Federation.

Pictures by Ira Philip show some of the mourners following the cortege of Mike Preece being borne from Christ Church, Devonshire by softball umpires through a guard of honour provided by some of the star softballers who literally idolised Mike in their heydays. Notable among them was Mrs. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, MP. Also shown at centre, far left is Mike's grieving daughter Michelle (Mikey) Cox. Mike's surviving siblings are seen at top at the reception held at Bernard Park following the committal service at the Methodist Cemetery. From the left are Betty Jean Preece Simons, Hubert Preece, Rita Preece Martin, Shirley Dawn Preece Richardson; and niece Sherry Martin holding great-great nephew P'Ori Martin. Nephew Laurent Spence Wellman is on the left. Michael was the seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Preece of Devonshire. He was predeceased by brothers Willard, Canterbury, David and Denis; a sister, Dr. June Glore King, and nephew Stephen Martin.