Graham Hoare, my father-in-law, passed away at 85 after a lifetime dedicated to mathematics and education. He was instrumental in conceptualizing the Royal Institution’s mathematics masterclasses, that have been conducting expert math lessons outside of the classroom for gifted students for nearly 40 years. Graham was a vital part of these masterclasses and their administration. He worked closely with Sir Christopher Zeeman to bring this idea to fruition.
Apart from this, Graham also served as the Letters Editor for the Mathematics Today journal. He was a staunch member of the Mathematical Association and served on its council for years. Graham was a respected assistant editor and had a Problem Corner, a column that was challenging and entertaining. As a tribute to his lifelong dedication to mathematics, the Graham Hoare Prize is awarded annually to exceptional mathematicians at the early stages of their careers.
Born in Okehampton, Devon, Graham’s father was a railway clerk, and his mother was a housewife and part-time Methodist preacher. He studied at Imperial College London with the intention of studying physics. However, he eventually turned to mathematics, completing his degree with special honours in 1958. After teacher training in London, he started teaching at the Simon Langton boys’ grammar school in Canterbury in 1959 and later shifted to Dr Challoner’s grammar school for boys in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
Graham retired in 1998 but remained active, indulging his passion for mathematics masterclasses and his role as Royal Institution council member. He enjoyed working as a guide at Bletchley Park and delivering lectures on the mathematics behind the Enigma machines. Graham had a love for philosophy, Dartmoor, and, as expected of a mathematician, JS Bach’s music. Walking and running were a significant part of his life, and he passed on this interest to his children and grandchildren.
Graham was a socialist at heart and believed in improving lives. He held firm views on Thatcherism, Brexit, and was happy to share them. He is survived by his two children, Helen and Matthew, and three grandchildren, Lois, Jasmine, and Nathan, from his marriage to Ewa Golowczynska, the marriage of which ended in separation in 1983. His subsequent partner, Gertraude Ober, passed away in 2006.
