Message We remember Sir Christopher warmly from John's 50th-anniversary dinner, which coincided with the College's 500th in 2011, We were impressed not least by his modest, almost self-effacing manner, a rare virtue among academics of his brilliance; and we are sorry that we no longer have the opportunity to know him better. We should like to add our condolences to the many others that Dr. Mary Dobson and their sons have received.

Message A sad loss to his family and to the wider College community he did so much to foster.

Message I will always remember the master, professor Dobson for his kind welcome, his humour, his rousing speeches at festive dinners and his kind hosting of students in the lodge. I always felt connected to the college hearing him read in the advent service each year. He'll be much missed!

Message Please accept my very sincere condolences on Sir Christopher's untimely death.

I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but it is evident that he contributed to, and indeed enhanced, the life and reputation of the College and the University in very great measure during his time at St John's. He will be sadly missed as a friend, colleague and academic of the highest standing.

Message Chris Dobson is respected and admired by many generations of Johnians. It is a credit to him that this is so, since most of us had relatively few opportunities to meet him. How he managed to be both a first rate scientist and a caring and dynamic Master is difficult to grasp. He will be greatly missed.

Message Sir Christopher was an outstanding Master. I recall vividly his speech at the Choir Reunion dinner only a couple of months ago, when he spoke with warmth, insight, passion and humour. His commitment to the College, to its community, and not least to the College Choir, was evident. He will be much missed. My prayers are with his family.

Message Like many Johnians, I first met the Master at Matriculation, on 8 October 2013. I also happened to turn 18 that day; someone whispered it was Prof Dobson's birthday, too. I later found out that was true, and felt honoured to share something with such a scientist. I won't be the only one missing him on his birthday this year, I am sure; my thoughts are with all those people, especially his family.

Message Chris was incredibly supportive of the college's work on Access and Outreach when I was JCR Access Officer during my time at St John's. He always remembered my name which I found amazing considering how many people he must have interacted with day to day. He never failed to say "hello" when I saw him around college and even when I graduated! He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with his family.

Message Professor Dobson was my hero in science. His work on amyloid proteins provided the foundation of all of my work and of my colleagues. I learned so much from him. He was an extraordinary scientist and was extremely kind and supportive. I am very sad today.

Message I was very surprised and saddened when I learned about Sir Dobson's passing. I will remember his kind, friendly countenance and the eloquent speeches he delivered on various occasions where he never failed to summon a sense of pride and fellowship around the common bond of being a part of St John's. I feel lucky to have been a student here during his term as Master and send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.