A charity for older people highlighted the support it received from a former union leader and MP as the organisation joined others to mourn his passing.

Age Concern Bermuda added that Ottiwell Simmons advocated for ways to improve the wellbeing of seniors on the island.

The Bermuda Public Services Union also paid tribute to the man who was president of the Bermuda Industrial Union from 1974 to 1996.

A spokeswoman for Age Concern Bermuda, on behalf of the charity’s board of directors, said: “We join together with the people of Bermuda to mourn the passing of the honourable Ottiwell Simmons.

“A man for a generation who, as a lifetime honorary member affiliate of Age Concern, afforded the organisation the benefit of his knowledge and wisdom, as we have sought to advocate for the successful ageing of the people of Bermuda.”

She added: “A businessman, trade unionist, and parliamentarian who recognised and engaged with every aspect of the community, and throughout his lifetime and roles outside of the organisation, continued to champion to improve the opportunities for ageing well in Bermuda.

“We send our best wishes to his family and friends, and wish peace and comfort to all.”

Mr Simmons, who was a Progressive Labour Party MP for Pembroke East from 1976 until 2007, died last Friday.

His funeral will be held on Sunday, which would have been his 90th birthday.

Chris Furbert, the BIU president, said this week that a viewing will be held in the foyer of the union headquarters named in Mr Simmons’s honour from 1pm to 2.50pm, before the 3pm funeral service at St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hamilton.

The Age Concern spokeswoman said: “The family of Mr Simmons has extended an invitation to Age Concern affiliate members to join in the funeral procession march on Sunday, June 25 at 4.30pm starting at St Paul [AME] Church.

“The procession will travel through the City of Hamilton and head to St John's Church. "

Tributes have been paid to Mr Simmons, a luminary of Bermuda’s trade union movement, since he passed away last week.

A BPSU spokeswoman said: “The executive committee and the general council of the Bermuda Public Services Union joins its membership to mourn and give tribute to Brother Ottiwell Simmons.

“Brother Simmons was an integral part of Bermuda’s trade union movement and had dedicated his life to fighting for social justice, workers' rights, and racial equality.”

She added: “Under Brother Simmons’s resolute, skilled leadership, the BIU successfully fought for fair wages, improved working conditions and equal opportunities for all workers in Bermuda, establishing the very foundation for the benefits and rights that Bermuda’s workers currently enjoy today.

“He was known for his powerful oratory skills, his ability to mobilise workers and inspire change.

“Brother Simmons was a key figure in many labour disputes and negotiations, ensuring that workers' voices were heard and their rights protected.

“He was a visionary and, recognising the essential role that trade unionism would play in Bermuda’s future, he worked tirelessly to mentor and develop future leaders for not only the BIU but for the entire trade union movement.”

The BPSU spokeswoman said Mr Simmons also had "a significant impact on Bermuda's political landscape“.

She added: “During his time in politics, he advocated for social reforms and policies that would benefit the working class and marginalised communities.

“Brother Simmons’s influence extended beyond Bermuda’s shores, and his skills, leadership and experience were well-respected throughout the Caribbean region.

“Brother Ottiwell Simmons will be for ever remembered by the BPSU as a true champion for workers' rights and a symbol of resilience and determination in Bermuda.

“His dedication to the labour movement and his unwavering commitment to equality continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders in Bermuda and beyond.”

Kevin Grant, the general secretary of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, said the organisation sent its “most heartfelt condolences” to the BIU.

He added: “Brother Ottie was a well-known figure among all affiliates within the BTUC and always displayed the appropriate demeanour to address the many adversarial challenges he faced, during his time and leaves a legacy of inspiration for all trade unionists to follow.”

Mr Grant said: “He was always an inspiration and down-to-earth to young trade unionists, always emphasising that ‘the fight goes on — and now it’s up to you’.

“When Brother Ottie spoke to you, you could really feel that he knew exactly what you were going through and what you were about to go through as a trade unionist.

“It was that sort of character and demeanour that he possessed, that made you want to engage in a conversation with him every time you saw him.

“We have truly lost an icon of Bermuda’s labour movement, who was not only known for his passion, commitment, dedication and advocacy for workers’ rights, but also his resilience to always stand up for democracy and equality.”

• UPDATE: This article has been updated to include a comment from the Bermuda Trade Union Congress.