A former MP, senator and chairman of the United Bermuda Party was also head of the Bermuda branch of a Chevron, a multinational energy giant.

Gary Pitman was a chairman of the UBP during the former ruling party’s final years governing the island in the 1990s.

He remained an MP in Opposition after the UBP’s 1998 electoral defeat to the Progressive Labour Party – helping rewrite the UBP’s constitution in the aftermath.

But in 2001, Mr Pitman resigned from his seat in Pembroke West.

He cited the increased business obligations with the merger of the Chevron Corporation and Texaco, along with wishing to spend more time with Martha, his wife.

That move closed the book on a long career in politics that began with extensive work at the executive and campaign level for the UBP.

Douglas DeCouto, a One Bermuda Alliance senator and son-in-law to the veteran politician, said in a tribute online that Mr Pitman “passed away two nights ago”.

He called him a man of service and “gentle giant”, adding: “His time with family brought out his biggest smile.“

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“Gary was quick with a smile, a kind word, and gentle encouragement. Gary believed in service to our country.”

Mr DeCouto noted his role on the board of the Packwood Home for seniors, as well as national politics.

“But more importantly, Gary was the father to my fabulous wife, and grandfather to my three children and their cousins.”

He told The Royal Gazette Mr Pitman “didn’t have animosity to people”.

“He built relationships and worked with anyone who wanted to help make things better.

“In this current climate, that’s important, and something we should all work together for.”

Sir John Swan, the former premier, said Mr Pitman was “absolutely” one of the behind-the-scenes shapers of the modern UBP.

“Gary was, first of all, an international person, and secondly, a person that didn’t hold any bias – he was simply basic in what he did and had great respect for everybody.

“He was quiet, but a doer – someone you could depend on. Gary helped me enormously with the restructuring of Bermuda, making it the place that it was in terms of international business and infrastructure.

“There was a lot of work to be done, and he was one of the great people of competence that did it.”

Sir John added: “Gary had a very strong social conscience. We needed to make sure we were fiscally responsible with a social conscience, and he fit both.”

He said Mr Pitman “did a lot of work with us in the caucus process”.

“One of the changes I made was to open it up – we didn’t keep it exclusive to the party group.”

His daughters said Mr Pitman, born at home in Somerset, came from a “humble beginning”, losing his mother early in life – requiring him to work, buy the groceries, cook, and look after the home.

“He always said he was the youngest teller hired by the Bank of Bermuda at the age of 13, which was considered quite an achievement back in the day.

“When it came time to go to university, they provided him a scholarship so that he could afford to attend.”

A Warwick Academy graduate, where he was head boy, Mr Pitman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of New Brunswick and qualified as a Certified General Accountant.

He was promoted to president of Chevron Bermuda in 1990.

His daughters recalled him as “an incredibly hard worker”.

But he was known for throwing parties, with a love of music, dancing, wine, good food, and travel.

“However far he travelled, he was incredibly committed to Bermuda and making it a better place for everyone.”

Mr Pitman was also an avid collector with a penchant for old Bermuda books, silver, and cedar.

His UBP involvement began with canvassing in Sandys North, followed by Warwick West, where he worked on the successful campaigns of former ministers Sir John Sharpe and Quinton Edness.

After years at the executive level of the party, Mr Pitman emerged as the UBP’s chairman in 1993. He was appointed to the Senate the following year.

He put in 3½ years in the Upper House, rising to Government Leader.

Mr Pitman also served as parliamentary secretary in the Senate, and spokesman for tourism, and works and engineering.

He briefly stepped down from the Senate, but returned to the political fray in February 1998, becoming an MP in the by-election for Pembroke West.

Mr Pitman was re-elected in that November’s General Election when the UBP lost power. Under the double-representative system of the day, he was runner-up to Erwin Adderley.

Taking the party’s defeat in his stride, Mr Pitman said: “We have to get out there and be the best Opposition that we can.”

He went on to serve as the Shadow Minister for Environment, speaking out on issues from the marine environment to his stand against gambling machines.

He switched to the transport portfolio shortly before stepping down as an MP.

His resignation took many by surprise.

Mr Pitman told The Royal Gazette: “Politicians have to balance between job and family – I’m sure my wife would be more than happy that I will be stepping down.

“She has been extremely supportive – but the fact is this is going to allow for a better balance in my life.”

He added: “My biggest regret is not being able to serve the people of Pembroke West. They have been a very excellent and supportive branch.”

He said he would miss canvassing and helping people.

Jamahl Simmons, now a PLP MP, replaced Mr Pitman for the UBP in Pembroke West.

Offering condolences to Mr Pitman’s family and “all who loved him”, Mr Simmons said: "I'm deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

“Gary was a mentor and friend in the early days of my political career, and for that, I will always be grateful.“

Mr Pitman had two daughters, Rebecca and Megan, with his first wife. He had a second wife, Lise.

• Gary Robert Pitman, a former United Bermuda Party MP and senator, and president of the Chevron corporation’s Bermuda office, was born on October 18, 1948. He died in January 2023, aged 74.