April 8, 2009 – Milan V. Glumidge, former general manager of Bluebeard's Castle, died peacefully in his sleep after a long illness, at the age of 91. His wife Alyce preceded him in death. They had no children.
Glumidge was an icon in the St. Thomas hotel industry from the late 1950s. He and his wife relocated here from Florida for what they thought would be a year or two. His intention was to get 'Caribbean experience' and then move on. This "temporary" stay lasted close to 50 years.
Many current movers and shakers on the island can trace their beginnings to jobs at Bluebeard's – as bus boys in the dining room, as front office clerks, or in the maintenance department. Monroe Trotman trained most of those who became bartenders, bar managers and restaurant owners; his brother "Long Ken" Trotman did a similar job with young men who moved on to be business owners in the building and maintenance trades. In those days, parents would send their youngsters to The Castle to work an apprenticeship that prepared them for future endeavors. And even if these youngsters did not remain in the hospitality business, the early training and disciplines they learned led to careers in business, finance and government. Milan Glumidge oversaw and supervised these endeavors, all the time running an internationally known luxury hotel.
When he retired from active service, he remained available to those in the hospitality industry who sought his counsel. He gave freely of his knowledge and expertise to all who called upon him.
He will long be remembered and sorely missed by this most important island industry.
A memorial service will be held from 2:30-4:30.p.m., Friday, April 10, at the Cabana Grill at Bluebeard's Castle. Those whose lives he touched are urged to attend.
