The local softball community is mourning the passing of International Softball Federation Hall of Fame inductee Michael Preece who died yesterday.

Up until the time of his death, Preece, 65, had been employed by the Department of Youth and Sport where for the past three decades he performed various duties and touched many lives in the community through his direct involvement in softball.

Preece was a past groundsman at the former National Stadium in Prospect but will be best remembered as the first and only curator to be employed at the softball diamond at Bernard Park, which was recently named after him to commemorate the valuable contributions he made to local softball as a scorer, umpire, umpiring coach and trainer.

He was also a certified International Softball Federation umpire and in 2002 was presented with an Achievement Award during the 21st Annual Sports Award Ceremony.

Ex-Director of Youth and Sports Brenton Roberts was among those saddened by Preece's death, saying local softball had been dealt a heavy blow.

He said: "Michael was in the prime of his life obviously and to this community this is going to be a huge, huge loss because there's no event that takes place around this Island that Michael's hands have not touched in some way.

"Michael worked without regard to hours of work, he was almost a 24-hour man. He worked unsual hours and did the job with a commitment and dedication that was unrivalled during my time at the Department (Youth and Sport)."

Preece earned widespread recognition for the immaculate condition and high standards he maintained as custodian of the Bernard Park facilty.

"Softball was his heart and his love was that softball stadium. It was not work to Michael because that's where he lived, that's where he worked and that's what he enjoyed doing," Roberts added. "He gave outstanding work every year and you could always depend on Michael.

"His work was always of the highest quality and he served this community and the Department of Youth and Sport faithfully, with commitment, dedication and care with professional services delivered in a courteous manner. I don't think Michael would've ever retired, and I'm certain the Department would've liked to have kept him on forever."

Former Ponies and Phillies outfielder, Dee Ann Martin-Iris, also had fond memories of the softball stalwart.

"Mr.Preece will be a great miss to Bermuda. He was a man with many talents . . . groundsman, mechanic . . . a real Mr.Fix It," she recalled. "He was a man with a wealth of knowledge.

"No matter what time of day, you could always find him fixing something or working on the softball diamond for the next game. You could always count on him and may God bless him and his family."