Bermuda Industrial Union Executive, members, bus operators and the local golfing community are today mourning the passing of Brother Glen Simmons, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 67.

A BIU spokeswoman said on Tuesday (March 3): “The officers and members of the Bermuda Industrial Union are extremely saddened after learning of the passing of our beloved first vice-president, Brother Glen Simmons, after a short illness.

“We offer our condolences to his family and friends.”

She noted that Brother Simmons had served the union in several roles, including president of the Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division and as a member of the BIU’s government negotiating team, as well as sitting on the Public Service Superannuation Board.

“Brother Glen was also a PLP stalwart and a community activist,” she added.

“He would also be found front and centre at every protest that was organised by the People’s Campaign during the last five years or so. “At every Labour Day March, Brother Glen would serve as drum major, leading the BIU troops around the City of Hamilton.

“Brother Glen will also be remembered for his colourful attire. Some said he made a fashion statement with bright- coloured pants and shirts with a sweater swung around his neck.

“He was the first black Bermudian to participate in the Eisenhower Trophy, which was held at the Capilano Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, Canada.

“Recently, at a fundraising golf tournament that was held for him, he told the story of Canadian golfing enthusiasts that had come to watch him play as they had never seen a black golfer.”

“Brother Glen was instrumental in organising the BIU’s annual pre-Labour Day golf tournament, which is in its fourth year.”

He was also well known in his earlier years for his skill on the football field and played for Somerset Trojans and Vasco Da Gama.

Brother Simmons, is survived by wife, Maxine, daughters, Mahogany and Glennice, son, Maxson, and two sisters, Diane Hunt and Donna Simmons.

In a statement issued this afternoon (March 4), Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports issued the following statement:

“We in the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports extend our deepest and sincerest condolences following the passing of Brother Glen Simmons.

“As the Bermuda Industrial Union’s First Vice President, Glen was a champion in upholding the rights of the worker. He sought to find the right balance whenever employee/employer disagreements arose.

“We appreciated his commitment to working in the spirit of partnership with Government in order to make Bermudians’ lives better. He was an energetic and passionate union stalwart and his dedication and advocacy will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this sad time. May he rest in peace.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.