William Scholl 1920 -2002
A Tribute and Appreciation
William Scholl - Chairman of
Share the Care Ltd., from 1988 t0 2002
William Howard Scholl, a quiet dignified and modest man, died on Friday 15th March 2002. He achieved a great deal in his life time and had a profound effect on all who knew him. He was a very special, kind and generous person the likes of whom we are not likely to see again.
He was born in London on September 24th 1920 the third son of the co-founder of his family foot products firm, Dr. Scholl Manufacturing Co., known throughout many countries of the world. He was educated at St. Edmund's College, Ware, in Hertfordshire, England and send abroad by his father to learn German and French, which stood him in good stead in later years. He read Modern Languages at Christ's College, Cambridge. In 1941, after being stranded in USA at the outbreak of WWII, he joined the American Army as a private. It did not take long for William's intellectual qualities, and his knowledge of German and French, to be recognised and he soon became an intelligence officer. He was later posted to the Pacific where he finished the War as a lieutenant colonel.
After demobilization William took charge of the family business which had become rundown during the War years. His restructuring and product development over the next few years re-established the company and the yellow brand packaging became a familiar sight in a variety of retail outlets. He was responsible for introducing the now famous Scholl wooden sandal which, not only helped to prevent foot problems but became an everlasting fashion item.
One of William's many accomplishments was as a pilot, flying extensively throughout Europe and across the Atlantic to America. It was on one of his flights that he first glimpsed the Isle of Man which impressed him so much he eventually made his home here in 1980. He retired from the Scholl company in 1984 but maintained a close association with the Dr. Scholl Foundation which has given in the order of $200 million to charitable causes worldwide. More of this later. Retirement from the Company was but a phase; he remained extremely active for many more years - skiing every winter; even windsurfing; and his year-round weekly golf which he cherished.
He joined Hospice Care's Publicity & Resources fund-raising Committee in 1985 - three years before St. Bridget's opened its doors to in-patient care. He brought with him a wealth of experience and business acumen to the (then) huge task of generating sufficient income to maintain both inpatient and Macmillan Home Care service.
One of his first major contributions to Hospice's income strategy was in the setting up of the Hospice Shops. His experience of retail marketing was invaluable. When Share the Care Ltd., was formed in 1988 to administer the growing shops business William became the first Chairman and, under his guidance, Hospice saw the growth in shops income reach a net profit in the region of £300,000 in the year ending 2000 and now, at the end of 2007, over £460,000. Grants from the Scholl foundation enabled the purchase of a number of Hospice shops and the furniture warehouse.
St. Bridget's Hospice showing the
Scholl Wing extension
William joined the Management Committee in 1989 and added his influence - among other things - to making the best of the financial resources. In 1993 Hospice Management identified a need to expand inpatient care facilities from seven to ten beds - a process in which he was involved - albeit quietly - from the sidelines. His generosity made the project a speedy reality. In January 1997 the Scholl Wing was opened, providing three additional single bedrooms with en suite facilities, a Day Unit, plus a lovely peaceful garden room for both patients and visitors to enjoy.
It was not only Hospice Care which benefited from William Scholl's generosity on the Isle of Man - there were many organisations and causes, some well publicised and many we will never hear of. He is particularly well remembered for the Canon Court Sheltered Homes Complex in Kirk Michael; the Hyperbaric chamber; St. John's Ambulance; King Williams College and Buchan School; Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation; Riding for the disabled; MSPCA, Friends of the Samaritans; The Isle of man Arts Society; and ELSPAC - an Noble's Hospital Post Graduate research project.
William's contribution's to the Isle of Man was recognised in 1998 when he was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth appointing him a CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire - an honour greatly deserved and which gave him enormous pleasure.
We shall always be grateful to William Scholl whose influence on Hospice Care, and others in the Isle of Man, will remain as a permanent memorial to him. There will be a big hole where William was – both for his personal friends and all who were acquainted with him. He was many things, his achievements were many, but above all he was a true gentleman. His memory will remain as long as those who know him are still around.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to his wife Susan, their daughter Lucy-Jane, and William's four sons and daughter, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.