Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse People:

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Clifford Loftus (Cliff) Williams (1904–1972)

Cliff Williams, veteran Sydney communist and former trade union leader, passed away on Sunday, February 20, following a long illness.

Cliff played an active and leading role in the 1936 seamen's strike. It was arising from this experience that he joined the Communist Party. He later became a full-time functionary in the Eastern Suburbs District of the party for a short period.

A pastrycook by trade, he then went to work in the hotel industry, became active in the union and was elected as an official of the Hotel, Club, Restaurant Union (now Liquor & Allied Industries Employees' Union) in May 1941. Together with others in this union, Cliff played an important and leading role in effecting the amalgamation of the HCRU and Liquor Trades Union. He continued in the amalgamated union as its industrial officer until he retired in July 1970.

Cliff was a devoted fighter for the working class and was unselfish and untiring in his devotion to their cause.

On behalf of all who knew him Tribune extends sincere sympathy to his wife Dorothy.

Original publication

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Williams, Clifford Loftus (Cliff) (1904–1972)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/williams-clifford-loftus-cliff-35129/text44318, accessed 24 June 2025.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2025

Life Summary [details]

Birth

12 January, 1904
Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

21 February, 1972 (aged 68)
Cremorne, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

pneumonia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation or Descriptor
Key Events
Key Organisations
Political Activism