Only a few Bermudians outside of Flatts Village know who Sufflo was.

They knew the family by their nicknames. Sufflo’s older brothers were “Gibby” and “Herkabee” and his uncles were “Straight” and “Fat Meat”.

Sufflo’s real name was Dennis Wainwright, and he was my hero.

His parents lived downstairs from our family at “Signal View”.

His brother, Morris, was my “ace boy” and his younger sisters, Eloise and Muriel, were my closest female friends.

Dennis lived with his brother, Gibby, and his sister, Ruby, at their uncle’s house 100 yards from us.

Dennis’s father, Billy, was a master carpenter who always urged me to “be the best”.

As an aspiring young athlete, I watched in awe as Dennis and Eddie Wright played cricket and football so well on our tiny Flatts field that they would go on to represent Bermuda.

Dennis was the guy I wanted to be ... neatly attired, focused and businesslike on and off the field.

When Sufflo was picked to play for St George’s in Cup Match, I felt like I was playing. When he was clean bowled by Charlie Daulphin after he misjudged a ball he thought was outside the off stump, I was heartbroken.

Our paths crossed over the years, especially in Progressive Labour Party politics.

When I became premier, I personally thanked him for his support and asked him to serve on various government boards. Not only did he serve, I doubt if he ever missed a single meeting when he was representing the PLP.

He brought the same dedication and energy to his work at Bethel AME Church.

His work at St George’s Cricket Club and as the leader of the Bermuda Bodybuilding Association always brought honour and respect to those organisations.

Even as he navigated his way through health challenges in later years, my hero stood tall and commanded respect.

When I arrived in Bermuda last week, I was told that he was in the hospital.

I had arranged to visit him on the night he passed, but I was late.

My friend left on time — his time.

Rest in peace, my hero!

• Ewart Brown, former resident of Flatts Village, was Premier of Bermuda from 2006 to 2010