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7 Jul 2025 | |
Written by Theo Harris | |
Obituaries |
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Mr Colin Finch (OB 1947-53), who died peacefully at home on Wednesday 2nd July 2025. Mr Finch was a stalwart of the Brentwood School community whose remarkable association with the School spanned nearly 80 years.
A former pupil, Mr Finch joined Brentwood in 1947, and he has remained closely connected to its life and work ever since. Following a successful career as a chartered surveyor, he brought his professional expertise to the School’s governing body, joining the Board of Governors in November 1984. His deep knowledge of property management was quickly recognised, and he became the driving force behind the School’s property management committee.
His contribution extended far beyond his professional acumen. After serving as a member of the Governor’s Executive Committee and as Vice Chairman of Governors, he was elected Chairman in January 1997. During his tenure, he helped oversee a period of significant development and renewal. At the opening of a flagship building named in his honour in 2021, the then Chair, Sir Michael Snyder, paid tribute to his time as Chairman, describing it as “a tour de force”- one characterised not only by the delivery of outstanding facilities for students, but by his “enthusiasm and drive and commitment, dedication and vision, and above all his unfailing courtesy and charm and consideration for others.”
During that 20-year period, developments included the new Preparatory School buildings, a new Sixth Form Centre, 400-seat Wessex Auditorium, the introduction of the International Baccalaureate and a much greater emphasis on Bursary awards, to say nothing of the Bean and Cunliffe development. After his retirement as Chairman of Governors, Mr Finch continued to serve the School as Governor Emeritus, offering much-valued guidance and support to the Governing Body and Leadership Team.
Current Headmaster Mr Michael Bond also commented on the legacy left by Mr Finch: ‘‘Despite retiring from the Board of Governors in 2016, Colin was still a very active supporter of Brentwood School when I arrived in September 2019. Indeed, his – and Susan’s – warmth and kindness were a significant part of our early months here, and it was indicative of their kindness that at the first possible opportunity post-COVID, they arranged a delayed ‘welcome’ meal for us during which their love for our school shone through.’’
His support for the School and its pupils was constant. Mr Finch, who would have turned 89 later this month, and his wife, Susan, were regular and much-valued attendees at plays, concerts, and countless other school events. He was a beloved father (to Stephen and Clare) and grandfather.
Beyond governance, Mr Finch also played an active role in the wider School community. He chaired the General Committee of the Society of Old Brentwoods and served as its President in 1985. His two-decade chairmanship of the committee was marked by wise counsel, commitment, and a deep love for Brentwood School. In the words of a colleague, he “inspired respect, admiration, and affection,” helping to steer the course of the School with unwavering commitment.
A Freeman of the City of London, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers and a non-active member of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, Mr Finch was also a past Captain of Thorndon Park Golf Club, in Brentwood.
Born in Shenfield, Mr Finch had also acted as Chairman of the Brentwood Citizens Advice Bureau and Chairman and Guardian of the Brentwood Foyer.
Chairman of Governors Lord Black of Brentwood commented: ‘’Colin’s gigantic legacy lives on not only in bricks and mortar, but in the countless lives he touched through his unfailing kindness, and courtesy, visionary leadership, and constant support of Brentwood School. All those who love our School will be forever in his debt. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with Susan and his family.’’