Labour Australia

Tribune regrets to report the death of John Clyde Henry in Brisbane on May 8, following a heart attack.

Jack Henry was a legendary figure in the Queensland working class movement from the 1920s, when he became active in the canecutters' rank and file movement. He led several big strike struggles in the industry before becoming Queensland state secretary of the Communist Party. He came to Sydney in 1948 as a member of the CPA national leadership, a position he held until 1954.

A brilliant speaker and organiser, he worked fulltime for the party until ill health forced his retirement. He joined the Socialist Party of Australia on its formation, remaining a member until his death.

The CPA Queensland state conference last weekend sent a message of sympathy to his wife Jean, recording its gratitude for his work in helping build and lead the party over many years, despite political differences in recent times.