Politicians have paid tribute to former top all-rounder Sheridan Raynor calling him a “cricketer’s cricketer” who remained loyal to his home Island.MPs from all political parties took it in turns to stand up in the House of Assembly yesterday to share their fond memories of the Bermuda Sports Hall of Famer.The 78-year-old, who was an ex-Somerset Cup Match skipper, Southampton Rangers and Bermuda player, died in the early hours of Saturday morning at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. He suffered a stroke nearly a year ago and never regained consciousness.UBP leader Kim Swan recalled how he used to proudly watch “Uncle Sheridan” at Southampton Rangers as “he knew how to play the ground stroke”.He said: “He was a cricketer’s cricketer. He should have really been playing test cricket as he had the mindset and patience to play for five days.“He was a good skipper, he was a good friend and he was a good uncle.“I loved him dearly and I miss him.”Mr Swan also recalled how “Uncle Sheridan” was always happy to give him political advice even though they did not share the same political affiliations.PLP MP Darius Tucker said he loved watching Mr Raynor play in Western County Games at the Southampton Oval, then when he became his brother-in-law he said “it was a great feeling”.He said: “It’s a true blessing to have known someone as great as he was”.Mr Tucker also said Mr Raynor, who worked as a taxi driver and spray mechanic, was “an ambassador to Bermuda” as he had a genuine love for improving the lives of children.PLP backbencher Terry Lister said Mr Sheridan was “an icon, a hero, an example and a role model”.He recalled how as a young boy in the 1960s he watched Mr Raynor helped to make County Games entertaining even though they were always “a slaughter”.Mr Lister said: “He was one of the greatest cricketers this country ever produced.“He was a fine leader as a captain as he always gave it his best.“He’s just the type of player that Bermuda needs today”.Mr Lister added that he was pleased that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, saying: “It’s his rightful place and that’s where he will always stay”.Deputy Speaker Randy Horton said he was honoured to have had the opportunity to play cricket with Mr Raynor. He also recalled how youngsters in Somerset grew up trying to spin their bats like him.Mr Horton said: “Sheridan was an outstanding Hall of Famer. He represented Bermuda at cricket in an outstanding way”.PLP MP Dennis Lister praised Mr Raynor who chose to play for his own country rather than becoming an international test cricketer. He said he was one of Bermuda’s best and “a cricketing legend”.House Speaker Stanley Lowe said Mr Raynor was admired for his cricket prowess and explained how he was one of the founders of Southampton Rangers.He said: “Coming from a golfing family, I couldn’t play much cricket but he encouraged me to become involved with Southampton Rangers.“He was president for a short period of time and he always loved Southampton Rangers.”He added: “He made an outstanding contribution to Bermuda and his family are very much in our prayers.”OBA MP Donte Hunt said he didn’t know Mr Raynor personally but going on what he’d heard: “He was a hero in this country.” He added: “Every country and every community needs a hero as they inspire and encourage.”Premier Paula Cox and Government Estates Minister Michael Scott also paid their respects to Mr Raynor.