Michael Bradford

It is with sadness that the AAG notes the passing of Professor Michael Bradford on July 12, 2019 at the age of 74 years old. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheila Kaplan, of Rockford, Illinois.

Born in Surrey, Michael became interested in geography throughout grammar school, an interest which continued while he attended Cambridge University in the 1960s. Michael enjoyed a long career at Manchester University where he moved in 1971 following post doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. At Manchester his career led him to become a professor, Undergraduate Dean from 1994 -1996, and Head of Department from 1996 – 2000. He then served as Pro-Vice Chancellor from 2001-2005 and then as Associate Vice President in 2006.

Professor Bradford was deeply committed to geography education and served as president of the Geographical Association from 1999-2000. His love of teaching also shows through his receipt of awards such as a Distinguished Achievement Medal – Teacher of the Year 2005, a National Teaching Fellowship in 2006 from the Higher Education Teaching Council for England, and the Taylor and Francis Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Geography and Higher Education from the Royal Geographical Society in 2008.

An avid environmentalist, Michael’s research was concerned with urban policy, inequality, and social justice. Children’s geography and places of play held a particular interest for Michael. He also collaborated with lifelong friend Ashley Kent on two books: Human Geographies: Theories and their Applications (1977) and Understanding Human Geography: People and their Changing Environments (1993).

A celebration of life for Michael will be held from 1:30 – 4:30 PM on Saturday, 19th October 2019 at University Place, 126 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. Please contact Sheila for more information.