On Labour Day at Union Square, a mural of Ottiwell Simmons was on display for the first time, filling a gap on the side of the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters between a mural of E.F. Gordon and another of Barbara Ball.

This gap has been filled more than a decade later than intended in the original plans of the Chewstick Foundation. As a part of its initiative to memorialise aspects of the “Bermuda Story” through murals, in the mid-2000s , Chewstick planned to have the three murals done. However, at that time, Ottie vetoed the inclusion of a painting of himself.

When Gavin Smith, Chewstick’s project co-ordinator, approached me to get my assistance in convincing Ottie to support the idea, I provided him context for the response of this community exemplar. I explained that Ottie’s take on the matter spoke to the quality of his character — he was a person of humility who had no interest in self-promotion.

Sharing Ottie’s story and those of other community exemplars across the island is an important exercise, given the lessons offered to upcoming generations. Appreciating the best aspects of the demonstrated character of the likes of Ottie conveys the reality that real strength comes not from being showy, but by being authentic.

Ottie demonstrated his sense of authenticity in titling his personal memoir Gate-Boy, which speaks to his upbringing in the North Village neighbourhood of Government Gate.

The memoir captures Ottie’s deep appreciation for those across his community who helped to facilitate his development into adulthood.

Growing up during the Great Depression in a segregated Bermuda which lacked the social system that we take for granted today, Ottie was a part of that generation facing many barriers. While he appreciated the solid primary schooling that he received at The Central School, he was able to complete only a year of secondary education at Skinner’s School/Howard Academy.

However, Ottie accessed a sense of personal agency regarding learning. Key inspiration in this regard came to him as he sold newspapers as a youngster. When he would visit venues such as clubs and barbershops, he was often asked to read some of the articles — for a tip. This exercise sparked in Ottie a passion for reading and a love of learning, which led to him becoming a “lifelong learner”.

With that passion for learning, notwithstanding seemingly limited formal opportunities, Ottie was open to new circumstances. This led him to a variety of jobs in his teens and early twenties and an appreciation for the movement fostering transformation in the island. Much of that perspective he gained from older-generation rap sessions he engaged in at his uncle’s store on King Street. That openness led to his apprenticeship in the BIU, at a time when the union was attempting to revive.

The rest is history.

Ottie’s example remains for many today who may feel that they have not been able to make the most of formal education. He embraced what had been available for him — up to one year of secondary education — but recognised that life offered extensive learning.

As Ottie climbed the ranks of the BIU, he supplemented his whole development with formal opportunities provided through the international labour movement. This even included a few months in a programme at Oxford University.

Today’s generations are called to appreciate Ottie’s example. Regardless of life’s challenges, we all have the potential to contribute to a better Bermuda, a better world.

• Glenn Fubler represents Imagine Bermuda