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 an inspiration to all who worked with him and interacted with him. I will always be grateful for his encouragement and insight and for the environment he provided in his group. He attracted researchers from around the world and gave them incredible opportunities. His legacy is immense, and global. So many people benefited from his kindness and support. So many people mourn his death.
Margie Sunde
Although I met him only briefly, Chris's influence on the Colege and student body has been heard of from afar
Sean Cameron
Whether it was his academic prowess, genuine and kind words, or hilarious anecdotes, Chris only ever put a smile on peoples' faces. He was loved by everyone he came in contact with and will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with his family.
Jean-Paul Espinosa
I remember having a concert with Sir Dobson at the Master’s Lodge, one of the best times during my life. Rest in peace.
JERRY LIU
Legacy is not only in ‘what’ but also in ‘how’, and so Chris leaves two legacies; one in the form of a record of ground-breaking science, and another as the community of students and researchers by whom he’ll be greatly missed. We will remember him as an incredibly kind and supportive supervisor, who always made himself available, and as an extraordinary mentor.
Karen Stroobants
Sir Christopher radiated everything it means to be a Johnian. His warmth was felt by us all, from watching his garden walks with Jimbo from the library window, to kneeling before him on graduation day only a few months ago. He changed our college for the better, and his spirit will endure through his legacy of research, compassion and good Johnian humour. My family passes on thoughts and condolences to his family.
Aoife Hogan (2019)
It is a sad news to hear the demise of Sir Christopher Dopson, Master of St. John's . Of course, I did not know personally Sir Christopher, but being an alumnus of St. John's (Matriculation 1988), I am deeply moved by the departure of Sir Christopher to his heavenly home. It is a great loss to St. John's and I pray for his family. God will be with his family.
Revd Chuauṭhuama Pachuau
While I did not know Sir Christopher personally, he seems to have been an individual with outstanding capabilities as well as deep regards for those who did have the pleasure of working with him. I also lost my wife to cancer some eight months ago, and I understand, first hand, what Mary and their sons are going through. There is nothing that can be said that will quickly take away their sadness. However, I want them to know that others share their sorrow and will keep them in their thoughts and prayers. May God bless them and give them peace. With great understanding, Sincerely, Allen Hancock
Allen Hancock, Ph.D Chemical Engineering, 1970
I was a scholarship student and Dr. Dobson invited me and a few past scholars to his home for tea. He was so welcoming, and I would never forget his warmth, kindness, and passion for his work. I am so grateful to have met him and I hope your family finds solace during this time of grief.
Kai Yin (Queenie) Ho
Master I never met you but I have been aware of all that you did for the College and Chemistry. I appreciate the pain you must have been in over the last six months and I send you all my blessings now that the pain is over and you are with God.
In Christ,
Colin Smith 1959