To many of his fellow MPs he was remembered simply as "Freddie'' or "Our Fearless Leader''. To others he was the freedom fighter who fought tirelessly -- even through ill health -- for social justice. And to several it was his prowess as a political strategist that stuck out.

One recalled L. Frederick Wade as a plain-speaking man, who never stooped to pomposity, yet always made it clear when he was angry.

He was the force which bound the Progressive Labour Party in its darkest hours, the MP said.

And another described him as a dreamer and a doer -- the definition of a politician.

Acting PLP Leader Jennifer Smith , provoking a chorus of approval from the House, spoke of a statesman who gave his all to the community.

"He sacrificed his life for Bermuda,'' she said.

The memory of a family man who had helped his wife, Ianthia, begin raising triplets was not forgotten, too.

But as Parliamentarians yesterday united to pay tribute and express sympathy for the grieving family, a common theme emerged: Mr. Wade had written his name into the history books of Bermuda.

Government and PLP MPs and Senators -- who met for a joint session at the House of Assembly -- also agreed to keep alive Mr. Wade's dream of social justice. Some wept openly as the tributes flowed.

Among those present at the session were Mr. Wade's widow, former Deputy Premier of the Bahamas Sir Clement Maynard, and Secretary General of the Bahamas' Progressive Liberal Party Calsey Johnson.

Senate President Albert Jackson led the tributes, bidding farewell to a colleague and friend.

He hoped those who picked up the torch of moral leadership would do so with Mr. Wade's sensitivity.

Premier David Saul pointed out he and Mr. Wade had started their careers as teachers.

And he said his respect for him had grown during the time he faced him across the House of Assembly chamber.

"By turns humorous and straightforward, Freddie was as at home on the floor of the House of Assembly as he was on the political platform or at one of the numerous receptions Parliamentarians are often invited to attend.

"Although his public persona may have been widely perceived as being that of a hard-bitten politician, once one got to know Freddie, one could see his softer, gentler side.'' He added: "With an iron will and a steely determination, Freddie saw his party through some of its darkest moments, yet was also able to savour its Parliamentary successes.

"There can be no doubt the PLP will sorely miss this great servant of Bermuda. But the loss we are experiencing is one that clearly transcends political barriers and it is a loss to which every segment of society has been paying tribute. That is the real measure of the man.'' Ms Smith said Bermuda -- through its outpouring of grief -- had recognised and appreciated Mr. Wade's contribution.

And she applauded Government for its support over the last few days.

"It will be difficult to get used to a world without Freddie.'' Ms Smith said she could almost hear Mr. Wade speak, urging those who picked up his mantle to reject mediocrity.

"We salute you L. Frederick Wade for your sacrifice, your support, your love and labour, and we bid you farewell.'' Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness hailed Mr. Wade as a champion for justice and peace.

"He was a man of conscience who touched us all in a manner we shall never forget.'' Mr. Edness said history would conclude Mr. Wade was a man unafraid to strive for what he believed in.

"I came to admire him as a statesman; his love for his Country; his respect of the Constitution; his love for Parliament; his devotion to his family and his great sacrifice. It is a loss, a great loss to humanity that he has been taken from us so early.'' Mr. Edness had noticed Mr. Wade was ailing following his last visit to Johns Hopkins Hospital.

"His mind was as sharp and agile as ever, his charming manner ever present, but there was a look. I had a great fear that his strength was gone.'' Former PLP Leader Lois Browne Evans said she had lost a "friend and an alter son''.

She had known Mr. Wade for four decades, from someone who progressed from a college student to a teacher, lawyer and politician.

Mr. Wade had devoted himself to bringing about political justice in Bermuda, she said.

"Single-seat constituencies, each vote having an equal value. That was his unfulfilled dream.'' She urged people never to let the flame of social justice die, until Mr.

Wade's goals had been realised.

Former Premier Sir John Swan said Mr. Wade's death had touched people from all sectors of the community -- black, white, rich, poor, old and young.

"He dreamed of a better Bermuda, of a Bermuda that would improve and give everyone equal opportunities and his vision was that we would all share in that responsibility.'' Sir John hoped people would show goodwill to Mr. Wade's family.

Former PLP Deputy Leader Walter Roberts said Mr. Wade always had a calm, laid-back demeanour -- but colleagues knew when he was angry.

"He was a brilliant political strategist, meticulous in his presentations during debates. His debates always had substance.'' Minister of Technology and Information John Barritt described Mr. Wade as a modest man, who was nevertheless fearless of controversy.

On a lighter note, Mr. Barritt also recalled Mr. Wade's "sartorial splendour'', commenting on his choice of ties.

"He told me he had them specially cut from cloth.'' Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox said Mr. Wade had always put his Country first.

"He was a consummate politician. He earned the respect and affection of all of us.'' Opposition House Leader Reginald Burrows agreed: "He was one of the most political persons I have known.

"If he was here now, I know what he would say. `Boy, I did not know all these people thought so much of me!'.

"It is unfortunate some of the tributes were not given to him while he was alive.'' Special Assistant Non-Ministries Stanley Morton said Mr. Wade was not someone to engage in frivolous talk.

"He left for us a legacy.'' Deputy Speaker Stanley Lowe said: "I believe Freddie's life touched many people in many different ways.

"I can remember feeling down when Freddie stretched out his hand to give me a lift on a personal level. And on a professional level, Freddie put out his hand. He touched me.'' Government backbencher Maxwell Burgess said Mr. Wade was a dreamer and a doer, the dictionary definition of a politician.

Everybody should share in Mr. Wade's dream of a better Bermuda.

PLP backbencher Ottiwell Simmons recalled Mr. Wade's Budget speeches and reminded Parliamentarians of his support for Independence.

"I hope he will be remembered for his foresight and dreams to make Bermuda a true democracy.'' Special Assistant Technology and Information Walter Lister said of Mr. Wade: "I am convinced he has been called from labour to his reward.'' He added: "I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve someone like L.

Frederick Wade.'' Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen hailed Mr. Wade as a warrior, forced to become a taxi driver before training as a lawyer.

He recalled how Mr. Wade had pulled him into the PLP machinery, and within weeks the party was producing the first TV commercials.

"He was the cement in the PLP building blocks. It is up to Bermuda to live up to his legacy.'' Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott remembered Mr. Wade the athlete, scholar, teacher, lawyer and statesman.

"He was very, very courageous. He had a very, very big heart of which he gave his all.'' Shadow Youth Minister Nelson Bascome described Mr. Wade as the ultimate role model, likening him to Malcolm X and Dr. E.F. Gordon.

"His spirit will always live on. Like he always said `PLP all the way, all the way PLP'.'' Shadow Transport Minister Dennis Lister turned his thoughts to Mr. Wade's widow and children.

It saddened him to think his children would grow up without the warmth of a father's love.

Shadow Human Affairs Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said Mr. Wade was a voice for the disadvantaged.

He searched for the language to express to the powerful the pain of the powerless.

Shadow Environment Minister Leon (Jimmy) Williams bemoaned the loss of "My Fearless Leader''.

Shadow Health Minister Renee Webb said Mr. Wade was a warrior fighting for the rights of Bermudians -- even when it was unpopular to do so.

She told how Mr. Wade had helped her stand as a PLP MP.

Senate Vice-President Norma Astwood said Mr. Wade had fought a "noble fight'' who gave his best even during the darkest hours.

"He always behaved as if he expected victory.'' Government Senator Larry Scott paid tribute to Mr. Wade's humility and lack of pomposity.

He said Mr. Wade had a political sixth sense which enabled him to spot possibilities where others saw none.

Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott said Mr. Wade was a "leader's leader'', committed to law and order, who rose above petty arguments and always took the high road.

The media had never given him a fair deal -- although it was now recognising him as a statesman, said Sen. Scott.

Sen. Scott said Mr. Wade was a politician who succeeded without the advantages of being born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

"He was my political mentor, a father-like figure.'' PLP Senator Terry Lister said Mr. Wade had done more in his 57 years than most achieve in 75 years.

Sen. Lister likened Mr. Wade to Moses who bore the aspirations of the Israelites, helping to lead them to the Promised Land.

Mr. Wade, however, did not live long enough to see his party to its own Promised Land -- election victory.

PLP Senator Neletha (Honey) Butterfield thanked God for "loaning'' Mr. Wade to Bermuda.

"We must keep his dream alive.'' House Speaker Ernest DeCouto , delivering the final tribute, told how saddened he was to see Mr. Wade's empty chair in Parliament.

"I always found him to be well prepared for debates, often speaking without reference to notes.'' He added Mr. Wade's death had brought expressions of sympathy from outside Bermuda -- including the Turks and Caicos and Trinidad.

The House then observed a minute's silence.

Mr. L. Frederick Wade LABOUR MARCH --Members of the Bermuda Industrial Union, accompanied by the Warwick United Majorette Band, marched from their headquarters to the Cathedral yesterday for the funeral service of Mr. L. Frederick Wade.