The Maritime Union of Australia marked the passing of its former national secretary on Wednesday.

During the waterfront dispute of 1997-98 he led trade unionists in the fight against the Howard government's push to change rights and conditions.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese said Mr Coombs was a man of courage, tenacity and unbending principle.

"He was also a man of great empathy," Mr Albanese said.

"He felt all too keenly the emotional toll on so many of his members - more than he felt the personal vilification levelled at him by Howard government ministers."

Mr Albanese said he would never forget the sight of him leading 2000 sacked wharfies back through the gate.

Former ACTU secretary Bill Kelty said Mr Coombs led his union in the greatest reforms and one of the most significant disputes of last century.

"John was a great friend and warrior who loved his union and who was so loved by his union in return," he said.

"We owe John Coombs a great debt."

International Trade Union Confederation general secretary and former ACTU president Sharan Burrow said he was "the heart of the movement".

Head of the International Transport Workers Federation, Stephen Cotton, said he was relentless in the protection of workers as an executive board member and vice chair of the dockers section.

"John was a true internationalist and made an incredible impact on the lives of many maritime and transport workers around the world."

After 38 years with the union and eight years as its leader, Mr Coombs and his wife Gwen became carers for their son Garry, who had multiple sclerosis.

"I would go through the battle of the waterfront every day of my life if I could cure my son," he once said.

Garry, on the picket line in his wheelchair during the wharf dispute, died on May Day, 2009.

Australian Associated Press