Vale James Bruce Henry OAM 09/10/1937 - 19/06/2025
Bruce Henry was a towering figure in Australian mathematics education, whose career began as a mathematics and chemistry teacher at Shepparton High School and spanned decades of innovation, leadership, and service. He moved to Springvale High School where he started teaching pure mathematics. His expertise was well recognised and he moved to make a greater difference to generations of students and teachers through teacher training with a long career at Rusden Teachers' College which became part of Deakin University.
He became deeply involved in the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV), and for many years MAV publications were stored and shipped from his garage. He was later recognised as a Life Member for his significant contributions to professional learning, curriculum development, and teacher support. Bruce was a respected VCE assessor marking countless exam papers but more importantly writing questions and sharing expertise with others. He was a textbook writer, and one of the leaders of the Rusden Activity Mathematics Project (RAMP), which transformed classroom practice through engaging, inquiry-based resources. He took every opportunity to share his love of mathematics with others, running a very successful program called Mathematics for Parents knowing that inspiring parents would also impact on their children.
At the national level, Bruce played a foundational role in the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT). He served as the Victorian State Director of the Australian Mathematics Competition for nearly four decades and was the founding Chair of the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians. He also contributed to the International Mathematical Olympiad, helping shape high-level problem-solving programs that inspired gifted students on an international scale.
His achievements were recognised with numerous awards, including the BH Neumann Award, the Erdós Award (World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions), and the Order of Australia for his outstanding contributions to mathematics education.
Bruce is remembered not only for his remarkable professional impact but also for his generosity, wit, mentorship, and unwavering passion for mathematics. His legacy lives on through the generations of students, teachers, and colleagues he inspired.
It was wonderful to listen to Bruce's family pay tribute to him at his funeral. While many know of his extraordinary impact on mathematics education, it was heartwarming to hear what a devoted husband, father, and grandfather he was. They shared many stories of card and board games, and his love of mathematical investigation with close friends and family.
The Board of Directors, Life Members and staff of the MAV extend our heartfelt condolences to Bruce's wife Helen and the entire Henry family.
