Recreational Services News

Maritime Labor Leader Simpkin Dies

Talmage (Tal) E. Simpkins, who devoted 50 years to American maritime labor and the seafaring community, died Sunday, March 11, at Fairfax (Va.) Hospital of injuries sustained in a traffic accident last month. He was 79 and lived in Haymarket, VA. At the time of his death, Mr. Simpkins was in his 18th year as President of United Seamen's Service, the agency that provides health, welfare and recreational services to American and international seafarers at eight overseas ports. He retired last year as Executive Vice President of the Labor Management Maritime Committee, Washington, DC. In April 1956, Tal Simpkins commenced his maritime career as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of the AFL-CIO Maritime Committee.