Family background
Fabian Marsden was born in Sydney in 1954, one of six children. His parents Hugh and Patricia ran a private hospital in Wollongong. He studied pharmacy at the University of Sydney, where he met his wife Wendy. They were married in 1979 and had three children. He died on 9 July due to complications from pneumonia.
Occupation & interests
Fabian Marsden had extensive experience in small business. He and his wife Wendy were long-term proprietors of the Sydney Cove Chemist in Lower George Street for almost three decades, and they lived in The Rocks area for many years.
Community activity
Marsden had renal failure soon after his marriage and lost both his kidneys. Over his lifetime, he survived two kidney transplants and 12 years on dialysis. Despite this setback to his health, he worked tirelessly to improve kidney health within the community. He was the committee chairman of NSW Kidney Health Australia.
As a local resident in The Rocks, he was involved with the Millers Point community and The Rocks Chamber of Commerce, at one point serving as its chairman. He was also a board director of The Royal Automobile Club of Australia.
Local government service
Fabian Marsden was elected Councillor from 1999 to 2003. He was Chair of the Community Services, Small Business and Tourism Committee and Deputy Chair of the Retail Advisory Committee.
References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files
‘Years on kidney dialysis didn’t hinder civic service’, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 September 2020