Bill Rushbrooke was born in Macclesfield in 1948, second son of Jack and Winifred.  Jack was senior maths master and later Deputy Head at Kings. Bill attended St. Brides school and later Kings Junior, before moving to the senior school, where he took the “modern” route, studying languages and history at A level.  His main non-academic interest at school was rugby, playing for the school team. 

In 1967 he joined Shell, working in strategic roles covering state trade contracts in Manchester and London. He then became an academic working at the University of Surrey, Roehampton after graduating with a (BEd. Hons) Business Studies & Education (1977, London University) and an MSc in Management Studies (1984, Brunel University). 

Bill was Principal lecturer and senior academic tutor in the School of Business and Social Sciences - a post he held for 25 years. He lectured at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels where he was programme convenor of studies leading to masters and bachelor’s degrees. Bill was a highly effective mentor to newly recruited colleagues in the Business School where he impacted the lives of many students. Bill’s unwavering passion for education made him a beloved figure in the academic community.

His work took him internationally to Europe and North America and involved co-authoring several influential publications, including publishing a book on leadership & management and contributing to articles in The Banker Magazine. He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and beyond his academic accomplishments actively participated in various committees. This included holding various offices in the local branch of the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education.  

In later years he worked closely with Professor Colin Rochester where he was a founding member of the Centre for the Study of Voluntary and Community Activity at the university, a pioneering institution that allowed him to make an international impact. Upon retirement, they both set up a successful consultancy together publishing research on UK government policy.  Their collective work at the Voluntary Action History Society as committee members reflected continued support for this policy area. Bill leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and a genuine desire to empower students and improve the academic community.

Bill loved the outdoors throughout his life, completing an Outward-Bound course in the Lake District and subsequently bringing up his family with regular walking holidays over the years.  

He was an active member of the local community and his real passion in life was helping others. This included volunteering to support senior citizens in Merton and supporting the Friends of Cannizaro Park charity in London. He enjoyed crafts, especially stained glass making and playing bridge, winning a cup at the Wimbledon Bridge Club on his debut year.  He was a season ticket holder at Craven Cottage (Fulham FC) which he attended with his son for many years. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren, wife, son and daughter in law, bringing smiles to all of his family members.

Bill passed away in late August after a long illness, returning home for palliative care in the summer of 2023. He is succeeded by his wife, Clare and his son James, with his wife Amanda and two grandchildren, Ada and William.  He will be dearly missed by family, friends, colleagues and students.

Donations may be made to the Friends of Cannizaro Park in memory of Bill Rushbrooke (reg.charity no. 1160982) where a memorial tree will be planted in his memory. https://cannizaropark.com/support-the-friends/#general-donations