28/07/2020
Donald Williams 1942 – 2020
It is with great sadness that the College relays the news of the passing of Donald Williams, College Director, on 24th July, 1 day after he celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of his marriage to his wife, Joan.
Donald was Brooke House’s talisman and standard-bearer. He oversaw Brooke House’s development from its earliest beginnings to its current position as one of the UK’s leading independent international colleges. Working at Brooke House was never a job for Donald – it was a vision, a passion, a focus and a vocation. The College’s success was simply a by-product of this vocation. Donald delighted in seeing children from all over the world come to the little corner of Leicestershire which he called home and fulfil their ambitions and realise their potential. He took great pleasure in seeing staff excel in their roles by supporting students in a boarding environment away from home. The College stands as a testimony to Donald’s determination to give children an opportunity and to celebrate achievement as well as attainment.
Donald often spoke of the most important elements in raising children as offering time, language and love. He was proud of College alumnus’ achievements and caught up with former students in their adult lives all over the world, sharing their successes and advising on their difficulties. He was not only proud of the College he had brought in to being, but also determined to see it improve further still. The College would ask you all, friends and alumni, to assist in building upon Donald’s legacy in the months and years ahead. Donald continued to strive to make the College an even better place until just a few days before his death, such was his dream and determination. Donald’s favourite music group was Queen and in the words of Freddie Mercury, “The Show Must Go On”. We celebrate as a family and we share our losses as a family.
