The family of Financial Secretary Anthony “Porky” Manders were joined by Bermuda’s leaders in paying tribute to the long-time senior civil servant who was laid to rest today.

Jamori Manders, the youngest of his three sons, said that he respected his father for the choices he made throughout his life and was “beyond proud of my father and the life he created”.

He added that his father always wore a smile no matter the circumstance.

Jamori said: “Even the time he ended up in the hospital from a bike accident – although he would be unable to move or do anything on his own, he would still find a way to make everyone laugh and smile and that’s all I see in my mind when I think about him.”

He added: “He helped Bermuda through rough times, always putting something or someone before himself.

“He was selfless – I hope I can live like that, looking out for people with a smile.”

Mr Manders, who was appointed Financial Secretary in 2012, was earlier Assistant Financial Secretary and Assistant Accountant-General.

He was also an outstanding sportsman who played as a goalkeeper for Dandy Town and a wicketkeeper for its associated cricket team Western Stars where he and his brothers Arnold and Andre were the backbone of a dominant team.

Jaiden Manders, Mr Manders’s second son, said that his father was “no doubt the life of the party” and never failed to bring joy to sporting and family events.

He added that his father had a “beautiful soul” and had “touched everyone’s heart from far and close”.

He said: “Even today here, I can see how he touched people’s hearts – he will be forever missed.

“He was my keeper and I’ll forever miss him.

“He will never be forgotten because he will always live on in his loved ones – people he’s helped in his life, like my mother Teresa, Jekon, Jamori and myself and all of his amazing friends and family.”

The funeral was held at the New Testament Church of God Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald St in Pembroke yesterday afternoon.

It was attended by family members, former coworkers and fellow sportsmen.

The funeral was also livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page.

Ms Manders described her late husband as a “loving husband, a great father” and “a dedicated worker for his fellow countrymen”.

She said that he gave his all and went the extra mile without complaint.

Ms Manders added: “Anthony had all the attribute of a great daddy - he was patient, a good listener, a great adviser, dedicated, supportive, protective, loving and a best friend to Jekon, Jaiden and Jamori.

“Our bond will never be broken - you will always have our three sons, grandchildren and me.”

David Burt, now the Premier, worked with Mr Manders while Junior Minister of Finance, Shadow Minister of Finance and Minister of Finance.

Mr Manders also worked closely with Curtis Dickinson, who was appointed as finance minister in 2018.

His most recent work involved helping the Cabinet to steady an economy devastated by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Burt said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” when he learnt of Mr Manders’ death.

He described Mr Manders as one of the “rare Bermudians who are so dedicated to making life in Bermuda better for all of us that their dedication to the public service is not a career – it is a calling”.

Mr Burt added: “Whether it was preparing the Budget, meetings with the British Government, submissions to ratings agencies or countless other high-level engagements, Anthony’s advice, work ethic and sheer presence in the room will be massively missed.

“It cannot be denied – Bermuda has lost a truly devoted advocate.”

Mr Dickinson called Mr Manders a “truly dedicated public servant” who was dedicated to bettering the lives of the people of Bermuda.

He said: “For the past two years he was my most senior trusted advisor, helping me navigate the Government organisation, and a colleague who provided valuable insights on Bermuda’s economic and financial matters.

“His passing has come as a shock to all of us and we are deeply saddened.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Teresa and sons Jekon, Jaiden and Jamori, his entire family, friends and colleagues.

“Anthony Manders’s passing is a significant loss for the island and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.”