AMO Currents - Maritime labor loses a leader with death of Captain Glen Banks

AMO Currents - Posted: December 16, 2010

Maritime labor loses a leader with death of Captain Glen Banks

Captain Glen P. Banks, who served in leadership positions at the Masters, Mates & Pilots for 14 years, died Dec. 15 at his home in Westminster, Md. He was 63.

"Glen has always been a close personal friend and an inspirational leader," said AMO National President Tom Bethel. "I miss him - his insight, wit and his wisdom - and he will be missed by American seagoing labor. His leadership has been a tremendous asset to his union and our industry."

Glen started life in Brooklyn and attended New York City public schools before beginning to work his way up the hawsepipe to become a professional mariner, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud. He served in the Navy and on merchant ships during the Vietnam conflict and the first Gulf War. During his career as a professional mariner, he worked as an officer on tankers before joining Puerto Rico Marine Management in 1986 as a permanent employee. He sailed for the company for many years as second mate, chief mate and master.

Glen joined MM&P in 1978. He began his career as a union official in 1997, winning election as gulf ports vice president. Later, he was elected to three terms as the union's international secretary-treasurer.

A steadfast political progressive and a staunch union man, he had an incredibly quick wit and a biting sense of humor, two facets of a complex and engaging character that co-existed with a generous nature and a heart of gold.

Devoted to his family, he strove to maximize opportunities to spend time with them. He loved to motorcycle with his wife, Betsy, and to go on camping trips with his son, Glen. One of his proudest moments was when Glen became an Eagle Scout.

He leaves his wife Elizabeth Banks, his sons Thomas Banks and Glen Banks, and Thomas' wife, Vonda.

"MM&P members, staff and officials have lost a true friend and brother," said MM&P International President Tim Brown. "He was a great friend and colleague, as well as an accomplished and forward-thinking Secretary-Treasurer. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him."

A warrior with the heart of a poet, Glen found special meaning in these verses from the Carl Sandburg poem, "Smoke and Steel":

"Ring one bell for me once, let it go at that.
Or ring no bell at all, better yet."