While his soul lay in the town of St George, family always came first for former mayor Norman Roberts.

This was the fitting tribute paid to the well-respected businessman and mentor, who died at the age of 97 this week, from those nearest and dearest to him.

Mr Roberts, who died on Tuesday in hospital with his family by his side, was mayor of St George for more than two decades, served two terms in the Legislative Council, now the Senate, and was a leading light in the island’s Scout movement.

But his children maintained that despite his extremely busy work and community commitments, he remained the centre of the household and was always keen to spend time with family.

“He was never missing at family occasions,” said his son, Terry. “No matter how busy he was he would always be there.

“His heart was in St George’s and everything that came out of his mouth was in support of the town, but for him family always came first.

“I have such fond memories of our childhood, whether it was just waking up on a Sunday morning and all the children descending on my parents’ bedroom, or sailing and fishing with my father.”

Mr Roberts was born in the family homestead, Stockdale, in St George’s in 1918 and grew up in the Old Towne, attending St George’s Grammar School.

During the Second World War he was a member of the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers and worked at the meteorologist station, sending out morse code messages to passing battleships and convoys.

He was also instrumental in helping to set up the air force base in St David’s and driving around the top brass.

In April 1948 he married his wife, Margaret, and the couple set up the family home at North Winds on Ferry Reach. Mrs Roberts told The Royal Gazette: “I met him for the first time at a fair at Government House. He asked me if I would like an ice cream, and I declined.

“He such a polite, nice young man. My mother just loved him. He was also a very good father.”

In 1949 Mr Roberts received a letter of commendation from the US military for heroism and bravery after he helped to save the lives of three air force crew after a crash off the coast of Bermuda.

When the war ended he worked for his father, Harry Gilbert Roberts, who ran the St George’s Hardware Store in Town Square.

“He was simply the best father one could ask for,” said his other son, Glenn. “He was my hero growing up, he taught me so much. He loved the sea, he loved boats and he was very at home on the water.”

Mr Roberts served as mayor of St George between 1968 and 1989, during which time he hosted the Queen as well as Princess Diana. He was also instrumental in creating the crest and the flag now used by the Corporation of St George.

In 1972 the father of three was awarded the OBE for services to his community and in 1983 he was given the highest award in scouting, the Silver Wolf, after long and distinguished involvement in the movement.

Such was his commitment to the community he was made an honorary life member of numerous groups, including the St George’s Dinghy and Sports Club, the Bermuda Remote Control Sailing Club and the National Trust.

Even after he retired from his work in the family business he pursued his passion for sailing by building miniature boats and Bermuda dinghies.

His granddaughter, Robin Mullan, said: “He always made you feel welcome. He was always so happy to see you and would always make time for you.

“As children we would run wild around his home, and he just loved having all the family around. He was the kind of grandfather that everyone dreams of having.”

A service celebrating Mr Roberts’s life will be held at St Peter’s Church in St George on Wednesday from 2pm.