Message I was at our great College in the early ‘80s and our eldest son, Edward, followed in 2007, Christopher Dobson’s first year as Master. Chris’s contribution to College life was immense at multitude levels - we could all see that. It was an honour to meet Chris and his wife during Edward’s first year. Chris wore his high Office and all his achievements lightly and there was not an ounce of pretension or arrogance in him. A wonderful role model for all Johniams, Chris was a massive servant of the College. He will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest Masters in the long history of our College.

Message I had the honour of working with Chris in Oxford and have great memories of his sense of humour, patience and thoughtfulness. He will be missed by the many students and postdocs he has sent out into the world.

Message Sir Christopher Dobson was a distinguished Master for a distinguished institution and the College is infinitely poorer without him

Message Sir Christopher Dobson, the late Master of St John‘s College:

He could not finish his term as Master,
He could not complete his extraordinary research,
He could not pass on all his duties to his successor,
He could not say goodbye to everyone whom he knew,

And

He won’t see grandchildren grow up,
He won’t be the father anymore whom the sons can ask for advice,
He won’t be the loving husband for his wife Mary any longer,
He won’t conclude his life as he might have wished,

Because a power beyond control, one might say, God decided, that he had already fulfilled his remarkable role in all respects.

As a weaver I rolled up his life.
I cut him off from the loom (according to Isa 38:12).

This tall, calm, hospitable and kind man will always remain in my memory.

Message As Visiting Fellow I had the great privilege to speak with Professor Dobson as Master several times before dinner. I will not forget his kindness and his very rare capacity to listen. La nouvelle de sa mort m'a profondément attristé.

Message I am sorry at the passing of Sir Christopher, a man of extraordinary vision and energy. My condolences go to all his family.

Message Beautiful character, amazing personality, incredible brain, BIG heart! It was an honor to know you, dear Professor Dobson! I am so sad that you are not here anymore ... I will truly miss you ... You helped me to make the impossible possible! Thank you dear Prof Dobson, dear friend!

Message Greatly saddened by the death of Sir Christopher. An enormous loss to the Family, St. John's College and,
because of his valuable work, to humanity.

Message I remember Chris for the warmth of his welcome when I joined St John's for just one year. It was so genuine I felt I was being welcome in to a family - I guess to some degree all Johnians were is family. When I think of John's I think of him and Mary. My condolences.

Message Professor Dobson, you will always be remembered for your kindness, wit, and impact on both the world and those around you at St John’s and the Chemistry Department. I will forever be grateful to you for leading a college that did everything it could to help every student cross the finish line at Cambridge - it really made a huge difference during my time here. My condolences to all of your family. We will all miss you very much - rest in peace.