Community bench installed in memory of Gary Doolan
On Thursday 18th July, a memorial bench was installed in Frome Street, N1 near the home of Gary Doolan, in memory of his achievements during his life as an Islington Councillor and member of GMB union.
Gary Doolan, Islington councillor, GMB Branch Secretary and latterly GMB London Region Political Officer, died in 2018 after a two-year battle with cancer. Gary left behind a legacy having helped his community fight for public services, putting the needs of working people first.
Gary was a caretaker employed by Islington Council, he also served as a Labour Councillor for St Peter’s Ward for 12 years.
As a caretaker, Gary joined the GMB union in 1976 and soon became a union rep and then branch secretary for his colleagues working for the council.
Gary was a passionate GMB lay activist, Branch Secretary, Regional Committee and CEC member, and National Political Officer before becoming the GMB London Region Political Officer. Gary developed the Region's political strategy to make sure that our industrial work is inextricably linked to our political work, a strategy still in use today.
Gary was born and raised in Islington, he married his childhood sweetheart Sharon and raised their family of two daughters, Kerry and Hayley, in Islington. Gary’s family was very important to him and he was also a very proud grandfather of six grandchildren.
Gary Harris, representing GMB Islington Branch said: “Gary’s commitment to GMB’s members never faltered, he was a working-class man and proud of his background. He identified with people’s struggles, represented their voice, and advocated for people who were dealt an injustice in the workplace and their community.
“Islington and GMB members owe so much to Gary Doolan, he will never be forgotten. Our branch felt Gary’s memory deserved an honour, so we set about working with Islington Council to establish a memorial for Gary.
“We decided on a bench near Gary’s home, something that would be practical in the community but stand to celebrate and remember Gary Doolan.”
George Sharkey GMB Islington Branch Secretary added:” The memorial bench for Gary was such a popular tribute to him, his name is still legendary because he helped to improve the working lives of members in the branch and beyond. Our branch is honoured to have arranged the memorial to Gary and to have benefited from Gary’s commitment to workers in the borough.
“I was so pleased to see such a turnout for Gary’s family at the installation of the bench. His family, friends, colleagues and community had the opportunity to gather and remember the man they knew as a true working-class hero.”
RIP Gary Doolan, our dear friend and colleague, you are sadly missed but will never be forgotten.
Pictures: (from left to right) Gary Doolan, Vaughan West, GMB London Region retired Political Officer and Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary, Gary Doolan's family.
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