Bruce A. Henderson

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Henderson, Bruce A. 58, Executive and Author and Great Friend Bruce A. Henderson was a remarkably accomplished business executive, successful author, and talented engineer, though you'd never hear that from him. Above all else he was a true friend and esteemed colleague to those he touched; whether a school-mate, business associate, employee, co-worker, partner, or family member. Eternally optimistic, forward looking, enthusiastic, and thoughtful, Bruce respected and relished those he came in contact with, leaving behind a huge cadre of associates who would call him a friend. Cherishing thoughts and ideas, he welcomed discussions on the difficult decisions entrusted to him. To those of us lucky enough to be among his personal friends, he brought us all together by reaching out and connecting with us effortlessly, graciously, and tirelessly. To those lucky enough to be business associates, success followed collaboration, team work, intellect, and hard work. To those lucky enough to be among his family and loves, he brought light, energy, and enthusiasm to the everyday. His business resume includes his most recent position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imation Corporation, a Minnesota-based global data storage and consumer technology company; heading Edgecombe Holdings LLC, a private investment company based in Richmond, VA; being Chief Executive of Invensys Control Systems; serving as Chief Executive of Invensys Software Systems; serving as Vice President and General manager of TRW Electronic Convenience Systems; being the Managing Director of Quality Safety Systems (QSS), five and one-half years with McKinsey & Company; and a directorship at Universal Electronics. He also served on the boards of The Virginia Performing Arts Foundation and Virginia Commonwealth University's Engineering School Foundation. Bruce co-authored Lean Transformation: How to Transform Your Business Into a Lean Enterprise (Oakley Press, 1999), and A Workbook for Assessing Your Lean Transformation (LTCreations, 2001). Bruce received a dual BS/BA degree in Engineering and Political Science from Brown University and an MBA from The Wharton School. In his final life's chapter, battling glioblastoma, he brought to the process a grace and positive attitude that was striking for its energy and optimism until his final moment --- planning the next approach and talking of what was next without despair or anguish or gloom. He was an inspiration to us all. He is survived by his wife, Carla Lejade, of Malibu, California and two daughters, Anna Ford Henderson, Boston, Mass., and Emily Sterret of Richmond, VA whom he cherished above all else. The family asked that donations be made in memory of Bruce to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; or The Simonton Cancer Center, care of Carl Simonton. The world is a better place for his time on earth.

Published on November 9, 2007