McNeil Warner, one of Bermuda's most enduring church organists, choir director and retired educator died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.

The former principal of Prospect Secondary School for Boys, which was later renamed as Robert Crawford School, died in Atlanta.

As well as being an educator Mr. Warner holds the distinction as one of longest serving former Party Chairman of the United Bermuda Party.

He served as Chairman from 1972 to 1977 and remained active throughout the 1980s in caucus meetings.

Mr. Warner was also well known across the Island for his skill as an organist, having played in every Anglican, Catholic and AME Church in Bermuda, as well as most Wesley Methodist Churches.

As an educator he was well known for his high standards, according to former Fire Chief Reginald Rawlings, who was once his student.

Two months ago, on World Teacher's Day, Mr. Rawlings gave a glowing tribute to The Royal Gazette about his former mentor, describing him as "soft-spoken and deliberate".

"Mr. Warner would have a way of making his point by sitting quietly at his desk while 25-30 raucous boys played the fool," he said. "One by one the boys would realise that they were being observed and slowly, the noise would subside and from the front of the class, a calm voice could be heard: "I've got my education."

Mr. Rawlings added that many of his generation believe that Mr. Warner inspired the award winning film "To Sir With Love".

UBP leader Kim Swan said: "The Chairman, Executive, Parliamentarians and members of the United Bermuda Party mourn the death of one of longest serving former Party Chairman Mr. McNeil Warner, Mr. Warner was a dedicated party man who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Party structure and branches were strong and met the needs of the community.

"Personally, I am grateful that I got the chance to talk with Mr. Warner earlier this year — who has been residing in Atlanta Georgia — when he returned to Bermuda this summer for the funeral of his sister Mrs. Esme Swan. Mr. Warner came from a respected family and like his late sister was an exceptional educator in addition to other members of his family."

As well as his educational and political contributions to the Island Mr. Warner was also the first Chairman of CrimeStoppers as well as the first chairman of the Police Advisory Board.

He was also a member of the Domestic Panel at Magistrates' Court, which is widely known as Family Court, and the Association of Professional Development for School Principals.

He is survived by his daughter Beverley Mae Warner. Mr. Warner was one of four children, Esme Warner Swan, Elvira Warner and Wartlo Warner all of whom predeceased him as well as his wife Florence Mont Warner. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.