Message Chris Dobson was an extremely friendly and engaging colleague when we were research fellows at the college. We are shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely passing, and would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to all the members of the Johnian community.

Message Chris Dobson had many great attributes, but it's his sense of humour that I'll remember the most - either in a joke told directly to you, or one woven into a speech given to hundreds. He will be greatly missed, and my condolences to his family.

Message I am very sad to hear this news, having last seen Chris Dobson at my MA graduation in May and not knowing then that he was ill. We may have called him Dobby but he was St John's own Dumbledore: endlessly warm, kind, and with a deep love for the college and its students. I will always remember the welcome he gave my year to the college and the speech in which he assured us that we belonged at St John's and that we would always be a part of it. I cannot imagine St John's without Chris and I am sure that he will always be remembered by those who were lucky enough to know him and by his family, to whom I send my deepest sympathies.

Message I met Sir Christopher only once, but immediately we shared a most helpful and encouraging conversation about local network support groups for people living with dementia. To put our own local effort within a national and wider setting was truly inspirational. And all within five minutes of his valuable time when a long queue of Johnians was waiting to speak with him.
So generous!

Message very sincere wishes of condolence to family although never having the met Sir Christopher.

Message I am so sorry for your loss and to hear of Chris Dobson’s death. I worked with him during my masters project and he has been both inspirational and kind.

Message A great man and a great loss. I always enjoyed chatting to Christopher. Although Master after my time at the college, he always had great interest in what I was up to.

Message I am so sorry Dr Dobson has gone. He wasn't Master whilst I was at John's but I sat next to him at top table at our 25 year Matriculation reunion dinner and had a lovely conversation with him. He'd asked me to read a speech at the dinner about life at John's and my experiences and it meant so much to me: I felt like he recognised that I brought a different and perhaps valuable perspective, as a comprehensive school pupil that came up to John's and found themselves in such a rarified academic environment, largely with private school pupils as friends. He was very kind and very interesting and clearly loved his role in the college and the wider academic world. I also met his wife and saw photos of his children around the Master's Lodge and we talked about how proud he was of his sons. It's very sad. I want to express my gratitude to him and his family for the wonderfully welcoming way they invited me into their home and made me feel special. He will be missed very much. Rest in Peace Dr Dobson.

Message Sir Christopher was a great advertisement for the College and a 100% gent - alas sadly rare in academe today. His scholarships programm was much needed RIP

Message Sir Chris was a wonderfully warm man who was throughly interesting, and interested. I, like many Johnians, really appreciated his and Lady Dobson's generosity in throwing open their home for the Master's Lodge Concerts. These were truly magical evenings, and the care which Sir Chris took to talk to each of his numerous guests and ensure they felt welcome and special, marked the kindness and openness of character. He has set the next master, whoever he or she may be, a fine example to follow.