Bruce
Ruxton AM OBE

Speaker Profile

Bruce Ruxton AM OBE

In Memoriam

1926 - 2011

It is with much sadness that we mourn the passing of Bruce Ruxton.

He will be remembered, with pride, as a committed and controversial figure who always championed the cause of veterans and their families.

Bruce Ruxton was President of the Victorian branch of the Returned Serviceman's League (RSL) from 1979 until he retired in 2002, and at each election of office bearers he was returned unopposed. He is renowned for his outspoken and often controversial views on everything from immigration policy to current affairs. Bruce motivated people to think about where they are in society. He raised issues and backed them up with well thought out arguments. He received the MBE in 1975, the OBE in 1981, the AM in 1996, and in 1997 the Chevalier of Order of Merit from Jacques Chirac. He was also a recipient of the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur.

Bruce served in the Second World War in the Pacific, the Dutch East Indies and Borneo, and for three years in Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. From the time of his discharge in 1949 he was a tireless and very vocal spokesman for war veterans and their families.

As a speaker Bruce was always in demand throughout Australia as a vital, interesting and witty public speaker, travelling to places as far afield as Moscow in an official capacity. He was a great entertainer, his audiences never disappointed, and he received standing ovations more often than not. Many commented that 'to hear Bruce speak is an experience you will never forget'.

We fondly remember Bruce Ruxton and our thoughts are with his family.

- The Team at Saxton

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