Message I can only remember being star-struck once in my life, and that was when Christopher Dobson asked me for directions for a lecture hall at the International Conference for Biological and Medical NMR in 1999 in Florence. I tried to point in the right direction and mumbled that I'd read some of his papers. He acknowledged this in his good-natured manner, but there the conversation ended, as there was a crowd and the sessions were starting.

Fortunately, I met him later in my career and of course his work will be with us forever. Even though I did not know him except through his work, I felt the loss through the great influence he had on me and, I am sure, many others.

Message We have lost a caring and loving Master. An outstanding biologist, he also had a keen sense and appreciation of history and social sciences. My own work has benefitted from his generosity.
May God grant him eternal peace and all the near and dear ones the strength to bear the loss.
Amen

Message What a shock this is. How did he manage to be so generous with his time and his spirit to so many people, us and our family included? Our thoughts are with Mary, Richard and William.

Message Our direct interactions with Sir Christopher were confined to a few conversations at events in the Master's Lodge though we heard him speak at several Johnian Day dinners. There was no doubting his enthusiasm for the wellbeing of St. John's, its members ("once a Johnian always a Johnian") and academia in general. He will be sorely missed . Our condolences to family members especially Mary, Richard and William.

Message we were very sorry to hear of such a sad loss and such a waste of talent. We send our condolences

Message Sir Christopher became Master the year I came up to John's. Over the years he became synonymous with the college in our minds. He was such a reassuring presence and the news of his death was a shock that has left us bereft. The college is so much the richer for his work and we are all so much the poorer at his loss.

Message This is very sad news indeed. I met Sir Christopher only once, briefly and by chance. I was on a short visit and had just collected a copy of the College History which I was reading while sitting on the wall in Chapel Court outside the new library. Someone passing by asked me what I thought of it and on looking up I saw that it was the Master. We had an interesting conversation and then he continued on his way back to the Master’s Lodge. The memory has remained with me and fits completely with the picture in so many of the entries in this book of kindness, interest in, and time for, people and a down to earth nature. My sincere condolences to his family.

Message We will always remember Chris' kindness and his dedication to St John's. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to meet and talk with him during numerous occasions, especially at Beaufort Society events.
And - may we add - it will be good to think of him whenever and wherever there is a spot of good weather, giving credit to where it is due.

Message Terribly sad news. Chris was an inspiration to us all. His work was life changing. Many, many people will benefit from his efforts long after his passing. Sincere condolences to Mary and his boys. xx

Message I appreciated Christopher Dobson's interest in and support for the Choir.

Condolences to his family and friends.