PROFESSOR SIR CHRISTOPHER DOBSON, MASTER OF ST JOHN’S COLLEGE AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHOIR ASSOCIATION St John’s College
Professor Sir Christopher Dobson
On Sunday 8th September 2019, Professor Sir Christopher Dobson died, aged 69. Sir Christopher was a wonderful ambassador for St John’s College generally, and the Choir in particular. He was devoted to all members of the College Choir, past and present. It is evident from the photograph above how supportive he was of the ‘Gents’! He was an enthusiastic supporter of the College’s two newer choirs, St John’s Voices and Aquilla. We are indebted to him and he will be very greatly missed. With Lady Dobson, Sir Christopher toured with the Choir extensively overseas, as well as welcoming and engaging with the Association’s generous donors. They also opened their home to host wonderful parties in the Master’s Lodge, for both the Association and the School’s Parents Association fundraising events. Many of us will have memories of Sir Christopher to cherish. Personally, I will never forget the day, only a little over two months ago, when Sir Christopher was invited to St John’s College School’s Speech & Sports Day as the keynote speaker and prize giver. He was on his feet for a long time, shaking the hands
and chatting to each prize winner (and there were many), ensuring he gave them all the credit they deserved. Sir Christopher’s kindness shone through. Similarly, at the dinner celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Chapel, Sir Christopher was determined not only to be present but to lead the speeches. He held the floor with his characteristic charm and wit, giving nothing away of his ill health. I will hold the memory of Sir Christopher leading his beloved Greyhound, Jimbo, into the stalls in Chapel that afternoon dear to me. At the Choir Association Garden Party earlier this year, I had the pleasure of inviting Sir Christopher and Lady Dobson to be Honorary Patrons of the Association in recognition of their kind support over their 12-year tenure. They graciously accepted. On behalf of the Choir Association I would like to send our sincere condolences to his wife, Mary, and to their sons, Richard and William. Plans for a memorial service will be announced in due course.
Reflection by Simon Robson Brown, Choral Scholar (1992-95), Chairman of the Choir Association