Willis Steede was remembered yesterday as a dedicated family man who took the less fortunate under his wing.

Mr Steede, a well-loved city worker known affectionately as “Mr Front Street”, died last Friday.

His son, Willis Steede Jr, said he was like a father to many troubled youngsters who visited his homestead.

Mr Steede told The Royal Gazette: “A lot of my friends used to come over if they didn’t feel comfortable at home or needed somewhere to go.

“He was like a second father to them. He took them in like they were his own.

“He kept a lot of people out of trouble. He didn’t shun anyone or turn anyone away.

“He protected everybody, no matter what their circumstances.”

A skilled labourer for the City of Hamilton for 23 years, Mr Steede was known for his friendly nature and near-permanent smile.

Willis Jr said that his family were humbled by the reaction of the community to his father’s death.

Mr Steede added: “As a father he always went above and beyond. He was into everything: Cup Match, Christmas, Hallowe’en.

“He used to decorate my car in red and blue at Cup Match.

“He always looked out for us. He was like a true hero to me personally.”

Mr Steede was the captain of Allan Warner Gombeys and but he would also dance with Gombey Evolution.

Members of the Gombey fraternity paid tribute to Mr Steede who they say rigidly upheld the traditions of the art.

Bilal Binns, the captain for the Gombey Evolution troupe, said: “In the Gombey culture, people are not supposed to see you, but you still have to travel to the venues.

“He was the example of how to get dressed before leaving your house. He put everything on and rolled up to performances just like that.

“I used to say if he could fit his hat on, he would have driven in with it.

“A lot of what I learnt, came from him. He was always easy to talk to and he never shouted at you. He was soft, but firm.

“He was always smiling and when I shouted out to him he would always say ‘shake what ya mama gave you’ and then ‘rush ‘em back’ which is a term used by Gombeys.”

Robert Wilson, a fellow Gombey who describes Mr Steede as family, added: “He always made you believe in yourself and you just gravitated towards him.

“I will miss his charm. I was dancing with him since I was 2 years old. He is my family.”

Mr Steede was also a lover of sport. He was dedicated to his job and received numerous awards, including a Long Service Award in 2017.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said: “Willis was a big guy with a great grin, always.

“He had this distinct voice which, combined with his eternally happy manner, meant that anyone who came into contact with him had an immediate connection.

“I also recall some of the walkabouts with the city engineers. If an issue came up in his area, there was always a quick call to Willis, the task explained and always a satisfied look, as the phone was being put away.

“There was the complete confidence that the task was in good hands. It is hard to lose a man of that quality.”

Dwayne Caines, the secretary and chief operating officer for the City of Hamilton, added: “Willis Steede was a true ambassador for the City of Hamilton.

“He had a 1,000-watt smile and always set about to make everyone’s day by just saying the right thing, singing, playing his music or simply smiling.

“Mr Steede was chosen twice by his professional peers as Employee of the Quarter and he was definitely loved by all staff.”

Mr Steede was also a strong union supporter. Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, paid tribute earlier this week describing Mr Steede as “a very active member”.

Mr Steede leaves behind wife Kathy, daughter Katherine, son Willis and “adopted daughter” Tamika Devane.

• Willis Steede’s funeral is scheduled for today at 1pm at Christ Church, Devonshire, after which there will be a Gombey procession