Hugh MacGrillen

pdf version (what's that?)

We are sorry to report that our colleague Hugh MacGrillen died in January. Hugh was an advice worker at the Centre for 15 years and contributed greatly to the causes of safer workplaces, housing, communities and environment in London.

Whether it was advising a local authority on the safest way to paint housing, stopping dodgy asbestos strips, investigating illnesses arising from building on contaminated land, showing how to set up a VDU work station or addressing the problems of stress at work, Hugh gave the best possible advice and support to the workers, tenants and community activists who used the Centre.

Hugh brought to the Centre a sharp intellect, wit, political acuteness, the knowledge of a qualified chemist, editorial skills, and a long and deep involvement with, and commitment to, the trade union movement. He was London regional secretary of MSF, previously ASTMS, for many years.

Hugh was Irish chess champion in 1973, and represented Ireland at Olympiads in 1972 and 1974. His commitment to the labour movement entailed the sacrifice of his chess career.

Hugh had suffered from cancer for some time, with periods of treatment and remission. He was 58 years old.

He will be sadly missed at the Centre and in many other places. Many tributes have reached us and can be read at our memorial web page. If you would like to add something about Hugh please do contact us.

top of page

Resources page