Obituaries

We are saddened to hear of the death of Max Loubser in Stellenbosch.

Max matriculated at the Hugenote High School in Wellington in 1966, where he achieved first place on the Cape Province's merit list. He then obtained his Bachelors in Law and LLB degrees cum laude from Stellenbosch University (SU), where he was also involved in campus leadership and served as a member of the Student Representative Council. 

He was subsequently awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and arrived at the University of Oxford in 1973, where he earned his DPhil in Information, Communication & Social Sciences and wrote his thesis on The Theft of Money in South African Law in 1977.

In the same year, he was appointed as professor in the Department of Private Law at SU. Max occupied his professorial position for 34 years, until his retirement in 2011. Thereafter, he was appointed a research fellow, and in this capacity, he continued to make significant contributions to his field of research. Max authored numerous textbooks and legal publications, including Tort Law in South Africa, and co-authoring Law of Delicts in South Africa. "These works remain cornerstones in South Africa jurisprudence," SU faculty shared.

He was a practising attorney and executive consultant at Cluver Markotter Incorporated. He joined the firm as a director in 1983 and served in the capacity until 2023, when he continued his association as an executive consultant. "His devotion to his work reflect not only his discipline but his genuine passion for the law and its principles," the firm shared in a statement. They described Loubser as one of South Africa's most brilliant legal minds – "a specialist and walking encyclopaedia in several areas of law."

Athlete, politician, educator, public servant, business leader, and above all, beloved husband, father, and uncle, Tim Reid died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of 9 October 2025.

Born in 1936 to Canadian diplomat Escott Reid (Ontario & Christ Church 1927) and his wife Ruth, Tim's life was one of adventure from the start. He attended Lisgar Collegiate in Ottawa and Ridley College in St. Catharines, excelling at basketball, football, and track and field. 

He studied politics and economics at the University of Toronto, and gained Master's degree at Yale before an MLitt in Economics at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

Tim helped establish York University as assistant to founding president Murray Ross before entering politics and federal public service. He then returned to education before becoming president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He remained active after retirement, serving on several councils and boards.

Read a full obituary.

Dr. John Martin passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio, at the age of 94.

Born in Kent, England, and raised in Uganda, John’s early experiences instilled in him a boundless curiosity and a global perspective. As a Rhodes Scholar, he attended St. John’s College, University of Oxford, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Physics in 1957, launching a remarkable career in plasma fusion physics.

John’s distinguished academic path led him from the University of Natal in South Africa, where he served as professor, to Wright State University in the United States, where he spent three decades as a beloved professor and Chair of the Physics Department. Throughout his career, John’s integrity, intellect, and gentle kindness left a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike. Deeply committed to equality, he and his late wife were active in the anti-apartheid movement, a principle that shaped the family’s immigration to the United States.

Remembered for his adventurous spirit, John was a dedicated naturalist, avid birder, and accomplished transatlantic sailor. Fluent in seven languages, including Zulu, he used his linguistic talents to connect across cultures. Above all, John is cherished for his humility, positivity, and the warmth he extended to all. He is survived by his wife, daughters and grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and curiosity.

Read full obituary here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Han Spoel, whose remarkable journey began in Rotterdam in 1930 and led him across continents in pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Han spent his formative years in South Africa before earning the prestigious distinction of Rhodes Scholar, studying at Oxford and obtaining a doctorate in chemistry.

Han’s professional life flourished in Canada, where he made significant contributions to the aluminum industry. His dedication to his field was matched by his zest for life—he was an enthusiastic traveler, a lover of swimming and good wine, and cherished for his engaging conversation. He is survived by his partner, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remember him with deep affection.

Read full obituary here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of John Searle, a distinguished American philosopher who made lasting contributions to the fields of the philosophy of language and mind.

Born in 1932 in Denver, Colorado, John’s early life was shaped by a family committed to both business and medicine. John began his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin, where his exceptional promise was recognized with a Rhodes Scholarship at just 19 years old. At the University of Oxford, he completed his doctorate in philosophy in 1959 before moving to the University of California, Berkeley. There, John built a celebrated career, holding appointments as Mills Professor of Philosophy and later Slusser Professor of Philosophy.

Throughout his lifetime, John’s groundbreaking work in speech act theory and the philosophy of mind left a profound impact on philosophical thought. His writings unified explorations in epistemology, ontology, social institutions, and practical reason, painting a comprehensive picture of human experience and society.

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dale Allen Vesser.

Born in 1932 in California and raised in Idaho, Dale demonstrated from a young age a strong work ethic and commitment to service. He excelled in athletics during his youth and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated second in his class, played lacrosse, and excelled in pistol shooting. Dale’s time at West Point led to a Rhodes Scholarship, and he joined Christ Church College at Oxford in 1954, earning a BA in political science and an MA in economics while rowing crew and playing lacrosse. It was at Oxford that Dale met his wife, beginning a partnership of 69 years.

Dale’s distinguished 47-year military career included instruction, combat operations in Vietnam, and significant service at the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Council. He later served as Assistant Under Secretary of Defense and led the Gulf War Illness Task Force, working tirelessly to support veterans. Throughout his life, Dale was known for his intellectual rigor, civility, and kindness. He cherished golden retrievers, literature, sports, and the outdoors, and was widely respected as a mentor and friend. Dale is survived by his wife, children, and many relatives and friends. He wished to be remembered as someone who cared.

Read full obituary here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Heather Outred, who attended St Anne's College at Oxford University as a Rhodes Visiting Fellow in 1973.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Woods.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, in 1943, Timothy was the son of schoolmaster AP Woods. He received his early education at Michaelhouse in Balgowan before earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1965 and a Master of Arts in 1968 from Rhodes University. He continued his studies at Oxford, completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Modern History in 1971.

During his time at Oxford, Timothy distinguished himself in sport as captain of the squash team and played hockey for the university, reflecting his well-rounded character and leadership. His professional life was dedicated to education: beginning as Assistant Master at Felsted School in Essex, rising to Head of History, and later serving as Headmaster at Gresham’s School, Holt, Norfolk, before taking on the Head of History role at Trent College, Derbyshire.

Timothy will be remembered for his deep commitment to scholarship, his leadership in education, and the positive influence he had on countless students and colleagues.