Obituary: Emeritus Professor Brian Palmer

It is with sadness that we mark the death of Emeritus Professor Brian Palmer, who was Professor of Education at the University of Reading.

Professor Palmer passed away peacefully, aged 91, on 1 September 2024 at his home in Winchester.

He was Principal of Bulmershe College of Higher Education, which merged with the University in 1989. This created the Bulmershe Court campus of the University, which remained open until around 2011.

Following the merger, Professor Palmer became Dean of the Faculty of Education and Community Studies at the University.

He was hugely supportive of the University’s former Theatre Arts, Education and Deaf Studies programme.

Our archives record that he delivered an inaugural public lecture entitled ‘Equality of Educational Opportunity – and for the deaf?’ on Whiteknights campus in December 1990.

After retirement, he was made an Emeritus Professor and remained a visiting member of staff until his death.

Professor Palmer is survived by his three children, Catherine, John and Michael, and eight grandchildren.

Funeral details

Professor Palmer’s family have notified us that an event to remember him will be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium, Wokingham, RG40 3DW on Tuesday 24 September at 2pm. A video link is available by emailing communications@reading.ac.uk.

Colleagues who knew Brian are welcome to attend. Please dress smart casual, with black not required.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for any donations to be made to one of Brian's favourite charities, Sue Ryder.

Image caption: The poster from the University's archives promoting the public lecture presented by Professor Palmer in December 1990