Community organiser and former United Bermuda Party candidate Keith Young Jr. died while on a business trip in Alabama. The Royal Gazette understands he passed away late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

Last month, Mr. Young lost to Michael Weeks of the Progressive Labour Party in a by-election in Pembroke East Central.

The by-election, in the PLP's strongest constituency, was called after the death of Health Minister Nelson Bascome.Mr. Young, a lifelong resident in the gang-troubled area, had maintained that despite the virtually impossible task of winning he wanted to give voters the chance to send a statement about their dissatisfaction with Government.Immediately after the result was announced, Mr. Weeks told The Royal Gazette: "I congratulated Mr. Weeks and told him now the work begins.

I'm praying that he makes a difference. This is not about him or I, it is about the community."Party Leader Kim Swan visited Mr. Young's wife Roxanne yesterday evening.

He said:"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Keith's death.

He was our colleague and friend, a loving husband and father; a foster parent and a mentor to many young people."He was a man whose love for his community saw him step forward at many levels to make it, and the Country he loved, a better place for everyone. 'Uncle Keith', as he was known locally, waged a wonderful by-election campaign in August, and I know I share with my colleagues fond images and memories of his calm presence and unshakeable spirit on the campaign trail. "Keith was a sweet-natured man, strong in his faith and beliefs.

That he has died so young is a tragedy. He will be missed by many."Successful candidate Michael Weeks last night said: "It was with a full measure of shock and sadness that I learned of the passing of Keith Young. He was a political adversary but we shared a common vision and concern for the neighbourhood where our hopes and dreams were nurtured. We agreed to work collaboratively in constituency #16 and I shall miss the talent and abilities he was willing to make available."Mr. Weeks extended his condolences on behalf of his family and his political colleauges to the Young family.Mr. Young was educated at Elliot Primary School, Robert Crawford Secondary School and the Bermuda College before embarking on a career in banking.

He was manager of banking operations at Capital G at the time of his death.Senior vice president of marketing at Capital G, Michael DeCouto, said last night:"Keith was a hard-working individual and a tremendous asset to Capital G's Banking Operations Department."Keith had been employed with Capital G for the past two years and during his time with the bank created a strong bond with his team and many other members of the Capital G family.

His warm and friendly personality will be missed by many." Both Mr. Swan and Mr. DeCouto extended their condolences to the family. During the campaign trail Mr. Young described himself as "pony-mad" and said he hoped to set up a riding school for children from low-income families.

Mr. Young is survived by his wife Roxanne and six children aged nine to 32: Shaquille, Justin, Shequilla, Deeon, Shannette and Jae'tremae.