BERMUDA has lost one of its national treasures in the passing at age 90 of Carl Delmont Simmons.

While he was a life-long Sound View Road, Somerset resident, there was nothing parochial about him, as his influence and impact was island-wide, and even international, considering his contribution as a sports administrator and leader in the cultural realm.

He was honorary life president of the Somerset Brigade Band, which he served for 55 years. For 30 years he was its secretary, and later president.

The band turned out in strength to pay and play a final tribute to him. It slow-marched his cortege to the tune of , along the main road in Somerset to St. James' Parish Church yard for burial. At the graveside the band played and .

This writer, a longstanding friend and neighbour, unfortunately was abroad on the day of the funeral, but from all reports we gathered it was a moving and fitting tribute to a most deserving citizen.

Carl, as young and old alike respectfully called him, was a founding member in 1961 of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association, and for two years served as its president. Aside from his younger years in the field, he did not play much cricket, but he was recognised as one of the most avid connoisseurs of the game.

Umpiring was his forte and he lectured interestingly about the cricketing giants of old, whom he studied and knew personally, from Somerset to St. George's, England, Australia, India and, of course, the West Indies.

He also displayed an avid interest in the careers of boxers of his era, and as his son Malcolm Simmons said in the obituary, he would give "blow by blow" accounts of the main events.

CARL was born at Broadview, Peach Tree Lane off Sound View Road on the East Shore of Somerset, on July 4, 1913, and passed away on May 11, 2004. He was the first child of Richmond Kennedy and Frances Elizabeth Simmons.

At the homestead on Sound View, five other siblings were born, Marguerite, Clarence (a former St. George's CC Cup Match captain), Leroy, Vivian and Reid. Reid is the only survivor; he has lived in Ohio, since retiring from long service in the US Army.

Malcolm Simmons said his father's early schooling could be described as an odyssey through Somerset. First was at Nellie Smith's school in Portland Square, then Ida's Trott's school at Willowbank and West End School.

His secondary education began at the Berkeley Institute, but for both fiscal and sentimental reason he was moved to Sandys Secondary School. His parents were prime movers in the founding of that Sandys institution.

Finally, Carl qualified to be a Dockyard apprentice, rounding out his academic and practical learning in the school at Ireland Island, and in the dockyard itself where he qualified as a ship-fitter.

When the British Admiralty closed the Dockyard soon after the Second World War, Carl worked for a while at the boatyard of Pearman Watlington. He later joined the Bermuda Police Force, serving a stint at Police Headquarters in Hamilton and later ten years at the Somerset station.

It was while at the Dockyard that Carl cultivated another of his passions, playing bridge, a step over and above most mateys who commonly indulged in the game of euchre.

At different times he formed partnerships with Anthony (Sonny) Roberts, ex-Somerset Cup Match captain and police sergeant, and the late brothers Wilmot and Henry Douglas. At least three of Carl's children and a nephew are rated among the leading bridge players of the country.

At age 23 Carl married Janet Barclay, in a union that produced four children ? Frances (deceased), Delmont (Dr. R. Delmont Simmons, MD., FACOG), Malcolm and Billy (William). The union subsequently ended in divorce. In 1949 a 56-year marriage to the former Idabelle Pitt began. She and their son Ellsworth survive.

THE funeral service for Mr. Simmons was held at Allen Temple AME Church, where he had served for many years as a trustee. The pastor, the Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge, was the officiant. Former Bandmaster of Somerset Brigade Band Alan Tucker cited the tremendous contribution Mr. Simmons had made to the community at large and the band in particular.

His greatest contribution, after 30 years as secretary of the band, was when he became president. It was during his tenure the band hall was built. It was a six-year project involving much voluntary work and personal sacrifice. To help defray the debt that had been incurred, he helped spark formation of a Women's Auxiliary that was instrumental in serious fund-raising.

Mr. Tucker said he also advised that the band become incorporated, in order to protect and strengthen it for future generations. As a result, a private bill was passed through the Legislature entitled The Somerset Brigade Band Act, 1980.