The vice-president of the Bermuda Industrial Union and a veteran sportsman has died.Glen Simmons was 67.A spokeswoman for the BIU said yesterday: “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.”The spokeswoman said Mr 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.She added: “Brother Glen was also a PLP stalwart and a community activist. 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.”She added that Mr Simmons was a keen golfer.The spokeswoman said: “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.” She added: “Brother Glen was instrumental in organising the BIU’s annual pre-Labour Day golf tournament, which is in its fourth year.”The spokeswoman said that Mr Simmons was also well known in his earlier years for his skill on the football field and played for Somerset Trojans and Vasco Da Gama.Labour minister Lovitta Foggo said today: “We in the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport 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.”Mr Simmons is survived by wife, Maxine, daughters, Mahogany and Glennice, son, Maxson, and two sisters, Diane Hunt and Donna Simmons.•UPDATE: This story was amended to add comments from Lovitta Foggo