Book of Condolence: Professor Sir Christopher Dobson

This page was created to display online messages of condolence following the death of Professor Sir Christopher Dobson, Master of St John’s College, who died age 69 on Sunday, September 8 2019.

Please note we are no longer accepting submissions to the online condolence book.

Chris was a respected scientist and a dedicated master. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
Alvin Leung
What very sad news and a great loss – for the family, for the College and for science. Among so many other achievements, I particularly saw Chris’s tremendous efforts and success in fundraising for the College. The time and skill which he devoted to leading the fundraising campaigns, keeping in touch personally with donors, and being so easily approachable were truly amazing. As has been said already, how did he ever find the time for his very successful scientific career. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Doug Twigg
Speak gently if speak you must in this lonely place
for dear Chris Dobson is gone from us
John Toland (fellow 2011-2016)
The death of Professor Sir Christopher Dobson is a incredibly big loss not only to science, but also, to my mind, we have just lost an example of how a person should grow in every aspect. I feel unbelievably lucky to have met him during his lifetime and the warm memories about him will live in my heart forever. I join everyone's mourning about him passing away.
Ira Martyniak
To Dr. Mary Dobson and sons,
your husband and father is no longer with you here among us. He is there where there is no sorrow and he will be given peace. From afar, we wish to send our condolences for the loss of your husband and father, a great scientist and a wonderful gentleman. God bless his soul and God bless you.
Hannelore Breitenbach and family
Hannelore Breitenbach and family
I vividly remember Professor Dobson from my time at St John’s. Besides being a superb and influential scientist, he was a caring and inspiring man. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Diego Winkelried
I am so sorry to hear this news. A great man full of sympathy and understanding. This is an awful loss. I pray for him and all his loved ones.
Rory Rapple, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Notre Dame, former 'Title A' Fellow in Intellectual History.
This is not a coincidence rather a divine promptness; l don’t nor heard of him but woke this morning listening to the Salisbury Cathedral choir and saw his name on some their albums and became impressed of him and also researching and was shocked to learn he passed just this September. May he Rest In Peace In Lord. Incidentally, l am also 69 years of age living in USA
John Jacobs
Chris was a man of great warmth and compassion. It has been a privilege to know him and our thoughts are with Mary and family at this sad time.
Allen and Sally-Anne Purvis
His support for the LMBC - from hours spent on the banks during bumps - rain or shine, to his fun at boat club dinners will always be appreciated and remembered. It is a sad time for us all and we send our condolences to Mary, Robert and William.
A few LMBC alumni