Family background
Desmond ‘Des’ John Booler was born in about 1928 to Harold Charles Earl Booler, a sheet metal worker, and Hilda Margaret Booler née Alleyn, the daughter of William John Alleyn who was an alderman from 1929-31. He was one of seven children.
He died suddenly at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after collapsing at his Glebe home on 14 May 1967, aged just 39. As a mark of respect, Sydney City Council adjourned for 30 minutes and the Mayor, John I Armstrong, said he was ‘deeply grieved’ by Booler’s death. A reported 600 people attended his funeral on 17 May at St James’ Catholic Church, Forest Lodge.
Occupation & interests
Desmond Booler lived his entire life on Ferry Road, Glebe and was educated at St James Catholic Primary School. He worked as a cutter and, as with other members of his family, became active in the Australian Labor Party, serving as secretary of the Glebe North Branch. He was also a member of the Leather and Allied Trades’ Employees’ Federation.
Community activity
Desmond Booler was a Life Governor of the Glebe Police-Citizens Boys Club and a member of the Council of Management of the Federation of Police-Citizens Boys Clubs. He was Vice-President of the Catholic Club, a foundation member of the Balmain Leagues Club, and a member of the Irish National Association and Victoria Park Bowling Club. He was a life member of the Balmain District Junior Rugby Leagues Club.
Local government service
Desmond Booler was Alderman for Phillip Ward, 1 December 1962 until his death on 14 May 1967. He was a member of the Works Committee, 1963-67 and the Health and Recreation Committee and its Chairman 1964-67. Booler was elected a member of the Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board in 1967.
References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files
Society of Australian Genealogists: AGCI index
Electoral Rolls, Australian Electoral Commission: West Sydney, Toxteth, 1949, 8, 1954, 8 and West Sydney, Glebe North, 1958, 10, 1963, 9.
‘Deaths’, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 May 1967, 28.
‘City alderman dies aged 39’, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 May 1967, 9.
‘600 mourners at funeral of alderman’, Sydney Morning Herald, 18 May 1967, 5.