People Australia

Albert Torkington (1904-1990) gas fitter and trade union official

Birth: 6 December 1904 at Bethnal Green, Middlesex, England, son of Joseph Michael Torkington (1873-1939), a leather cutter, born at Dalkey, Ireland, and Ellen Sarah, née Bracken (1875-1932), born in London. Marriage: 26 January 1928 at Sydney, New South Wales, to Marjory Duthy (1903-1986). They had two sons. Death: 17 January 1990 in his usual residence at Hannan Street, Maroubra, Sydney. 

• Arrived in Sydney aboard the Orama on Christmas Eve 1924. Occupation on passenger list was gas fitter.
• In 1930 electoral roll occupation was kitchen man, residing at Maroubra, where he lived for the rest of his life.
• Organiser of Amalgamated Hospitals, Homes and Laboratories Employees’ Association of NSW [later Hospital Employees’ Association of NSW and later still the Health Services Union] from 1946 to 1957. General secretary-treasurer of association from 1957. Stood as candidate for position of general secretary-treasurer in 1960.
• Was member of the NSW ambulance Transport Service Board from 1960 to 1971.
• Cause of death: myocardial infarct (instantly), coronary artery disease (years) and angina pectoris (years).

Sources
Health Standard, August 1960 p 2.