Tributes to Senate stalwart

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15: Tributes have been made to a highly respected former Senate President who died this week.

Alfred ‘Alf’ Oughton passed away on Monday at the age of 83.

Mr Oughton was born in East London in England in 1928. His family was split up due to the evacuation of the capital at the beginning of World War II.

He returned to London in 1942 and met his future wife Jean while studying at Wakefield Central School.

At the age of 18 he volunteered to serve in the Royal Navy and in 1951 was posted to serve on the Admiral’s Staff in Bermuda.

In July 1953 his tour came to an end but he and his wife returned to Bermuda in December 1955 when Mr Oughton got a job as Belco’s clerk in the purchasing department.

He went on to climb the corporate ladder and hold the position of President and Chief Executive when he retired in 1993.

Mr Oughton was appointed to the Senate in 1993 where he served 15 years and retired as President in 2008.

Family

A family statement read: “Family was very important to him and along with his son, Stephen and wife Nancy he has three cherished grandchildren, Stephen Jr., Stacy and Jeffrey. Alf pushed all of his grandchildren to apply his same hard working ethics to school, work and life in general.

“He often would tell them, ‘The World is your Oyster,’ as a reminder of how much opportunity was out there for their taking.

“He was a great role model and inspiration to all three of them and all of his efforts will never be forgotten. Alf has made the whole family very proud of his accomplishments throughout his life and the many memories will be cherished. He will be sadly missed by them all.”

Mr Oughton was appointed to chair the Health Care Review Sub-Committee by former Health Minister Quinton Edness. He produced a Health Care Review Report in May 1996, which became known as ‘The Oughton Report’.

Colleagues and politicians last night paid tribute to the Senate Stalwart.

Opposition Senate leader Michael Dunkley served in Senate under Mr Oughton in 2008. He said: “I was very impressed with his dedication and service – I heard about his passing and I’m very saddened. He served the community well. We should remember people like former Senate President Alf Oughton with gratitude.

Independent Senator Joan Dillas-Wright said she had worked with Mr Oughton on the health care report that bore his name: “I joined the Senate when he retired but I worked closely with him on the health report task force when I was CEO of the hospitals. I had enormous respect for him — he did so much for Bermudians when he was at BELCO. He was a down-to-earth person who really loved Bermuda and Bermudians. He was loved and highly-regarded by everyone who worked with him in the Senate. He was held in high esteem in the Senate and was fair in all his dealings with everyone. I’m sorry to hear that he has passed – he will be sorely missed.”

Attorney General and PLP Senator Kim Wilson said: “On behalf of the Government Senate, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Senate President Alf Oughton. I was so saddened to hear of his passing but am comforted by the fact that he is once again reunited with his wife. I personally enjoyed working with him... I found him to be encouraging, insightful, and respectful to all members. He was an admirable member of the Upper Chamber. His exemplary conduct will form the basis of a model that is worthy for all of us to embrace...”

Dream team

Pembroke West Central PLP MP Neletha Butterfield cut her political teeth as an Opposition Senator between 1993 and 1998, sitting beside Mr Oughton.

She said: “He was a very fair person and debated very well. He was very keen on education, which was one of my portfolios, and very understanding about young people who had dropped out of school for one reason or another. I was very fond of him — he was a great man. They called us ‘the dream team’ because we didn’t stand for rubber-stamping and we sent back legislation, often with the support of Independents.”

Linda Smith, Senior Vice President of Belco’s Corporate Relations, was hired by Mr Oughton in 1988: “Mr. Oughton, believed in giving people opportunities and encouraging them to always look for ways to expand their contribution. He was a fabulous boss who told it like it was, and had a great sense of humour. I will never forget asking him when I first got here whether I should speak for the company or whether he would? His reply was, ‘why have a dog and bark yourself? Of course, I expect you to speak!’ And, that’s how I became the spokesperson. I still laugh when I think about it!  He was always challenging me, but in a fun, caring and constructive way. “I will forever appreciate the opportunity he gave me and everything I learned from him.”