tribute to former Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Earle Seaton, who died in New York on Wednesday.

Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood presided over the special session that saw ten members of the Bermuda Bar praise the man who had not only served Bermuda, but also Tanzania, Uganda and The Seychelles.

Mr. Justice Seaton was characterised as a distinguished scholar, whose courtesy, kindness and wisdom added dignity to the Bench.

And, as expressed by Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade, he was "a man who brought unlimited honour to Bermuda.'' Mr. Arnold Francis QC was the first to address the memorial, tracing Mr.

Justice Seaton's life and accomplishments. Having known the former puisne judge since childhood, Mr. Francis provided insight into the background of one of Bermuda's most distinguished legal figures.

His comment that Mr. Justice Seaton "was a scholar from the very beginning -- but not as versatile on the playing field'', brought subdued chuckles from the gallery.

Mrs. Lois Browne Evans, Bermuda's first woman barrister, focused on the patience and courtesy Mr. Justice Seaton showed towards female members of the legal profession. She said that if all male authority figures were to act in a like manner more doors of opportunity would open for Bermuda's women.

She also expressed admiration for the patience and skill he displayed during the 1976 murder trial of Larry Tacklyn and Erskine (Buck) Burrows. Mrs. Browne Evans served as lawyer for both men.

A brief but highly emotional speech was delivered by barrister Ms Keren Lomas who told of Mr. Justice Seaton's regular attendance and deep involvement with St. Paul AME Church.

Mr. Coles Diel described him as an absolute gentleman who was considerate to all he met.

"It is a shame that we don't take the opportunity to honour people while they're still with us,'' he added.

Several of those who rose to offer their impressions recalled how, as inexperienced newcomers, Mr. Justice Seaton gently guided and directed them through their arguments before the court.

Outlining Mr. Justice Seaton's finest accomplishments, Mr. Ian Kawaley pointed out his appointment as the first black chief justice of The Seychelles as a prime example.

Mr. Kawaley said that even after the government was toppled in a coup d'etat in 1977, a UN report pronounced The Seychelles' judicial system as "above reproach''.

The Late Hon. Mr. Justice Seaton in a 1979 photo.