Message St John’s today is a very different place from the 1960’s (I came up in 1961), warmer, friendlier, more open, more welcoming, more adventurous, more considerate of its students’ wellbeing and, I think, an overall better place to be. It has an uplifting confidence about it these days which is very exciting and I know that Chris' contribution over the years has played a major and significant role in this.
Hoelen wyth (pl. hoelion wyth)is a Welsh idiom/expression, in use since the late 19th century, to describe an eminent person or outstanding member of a calling or profession. It means, simply, "eight inch nail", those long, strong nails used to truly strengthen any structure and to tie in the strongest wood. Chris was a hoelen wyth of the highest calibre. He made John's into a superb place, an all inclusive, welcoming, thriving institution and community and a fitting memorial to his magnificent Mastership.
I love “coming back” to College and to Chapel and will remember with pride that I am a member of "the same place" as Sir Christopher Dobson.

Message Sir Christopher’s untimely demise is a great shock to the Johnian community. There was no hint of illness when we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the New Chapel earlier in the summer.
What a spectacularly marvellous Master he has been, sharing his time so generously with so many. His and Dr Mary’s support for the choir was second to none.
We shall all miss his warmth and kindness and I send sincere condolences to his family.

Message Chris was a welcoming presence with a genuine interest in overseas students and visitors and epitomised the very best qualities of a Cambridge leader with a special gift for crossing cultural barriers and affirming others. He will be missed, but honoured for a long time to come. Blessings for Mary, Richard and William in the midst of their acute loss.

Message Although Sir Christopher came to St John's after I finished my study there in 1996, my wife and I had the honour and privilege of entertaining him and his wife Mary when they came to visit Beijing after he became the master. Since then, every time I return to Cambridge have formal hall at the college, my wife and I have always had brief but very pleasant conversations with him following the meal. We will never forget the wonderful remarks he made at the ceremony marking the erection of Dr Cha's Couplet Stone near the Scholar's Garden. Although my wife and I were unable to attend it, our son and daughter were there on our behalf and we closely watched every second of the short video recording that event. Our whole family will always cherish the memory of this beloved master.

Message Chris made me feel welcomed and accepted at the College! When I walked by him in the courtyard he always had a minute to greet me and ask how I was doing. He was kind and interested and I'm deeply grateful for his support of diversity and gender equality related programs at St John's. I will remembered him as a truly genuine and compassionate man! I'm sending my love to his wife, Mary, and his sons. Chris will be in my heart and in my prayers!

Message Sir Christopher was a kind and considerate host at alumni gatherings, taking an interest in all his guests. He was a very worthy Master of the College and will be sadly missed.

Message I was charmed to receive a message and gift from Sir Christopher to mark my 90th birthday and again to be given a special mention at the Johnian dinner two years ago. He will be sadly missed by all College alumni, students and staff.

Message Yesterday, I received word from Stefan Reif that Professor Sir Christopher Dobson died on Sunday.
Christy and I wish to express heartfelt condolences to Professor Dobson’s wife, Mary, and his family as well as to the Fellows, Staff and members of St. John’s College.
Chris Dobson is etched in our memories although we only had occasion to greet him at various receptions that he hosted. He invariably comes to mind when we contemplate our experience of St. John’s College in the Lent term of 2017.
His gracious manner in welcoming audiences set the tone for the event that followed. Christy and I encountered this gift at a memorable guitar recital at the Master’s Lodge and I had similar experiences at a day-long conference on Religion and Human Rights and again at a lecture on genetic research. We were edified by his attentiveness at Evensong, which bespoke his conviction about the centrality of contemplation in the culture of St. John’s. He was a great scientist who embodied genuine appreciation for the humanities. This distinguished scholar enhanced the life of every person wherever he was. His manner of being was the great blessing that we shall forever cherish.
Christy and I continue to reflect upon the richness of life that we experienced at St. John’s College. Thank you for the hospitality that you extended to us as President of St. John’s. Please communicate our abiding gratitude to the Fellows and to the Staff of the College. Chris Dobson devoted his life to St. John’s. Our appreciation for him is knit into the fabric of our gratitude for everyone we encountered at St. John’s.
With warm greetings from Christy and me, Michael

Message Sincere condolences. I didn't personally know him but very aware of his legacy to the College
Brian Lloyd 1957-60

Message Chris was an unusual person who appeared to relish all human contact. With Mary's support, he tackled some of the most complicated of areas, and came through smiling, which we all admired.
When talking to one, he had the ability to give the convincing impression that there was nowhere else he wanted to be, nobody else he wanted to be with, and this always astonished me.
Life needs more people like Chris, and my regret is that this is so difficult to achieve.