Obituaries
Please alert us to the recent death of any other Rhodes Scholar by emailing communications@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Stephen Munzer.
Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1942, Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas in 1966 before pursuing a BPhil at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He later received his degree in Jurisprudence from Yale in 1972, laying the foundation for a remarkable academic and professional career.
A distinguished scholar, Stephen taught at Rutgers, the University of Minnesota, and Columbia before joining the faculty at UCLA School of Law in 1982, where he became a central figure for more than three decades. Renowned for his intellect and warmth, Stephen was widely admired as a teacher of Contracts, Property, and seminars in legal philosophy and biotechnology.
His influential scholarship, including the landmark book A Theory of Property, earned him numerous honours such as the David Baumgardt Memorial Fellowship, the Berger Prize in the Philosophy of Law, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Throughout his career and into retirement, Stephen remained devoted to research, mentorship, and collegiality, remembered for his boundless curiosity and supportive presence. Stephen is survived by his family, as well as generations of students and colleagues whose lives he enriched.
Read full obituary here.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Selwyn Barnett Kossuth.
Born in Johannesburg in 1937, Selwyn attended Parktown Boys’ High School before earning his Bachelor of Commerce cum laude from the University of Stellenbosch, and later a degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. During his time at Oxford, he represented the university in hockey and was an active member of Vincent’s Club.
Selwyn’s career spanned the globe, with early roles in South America and London at Shell International Petroleum, followed by leadership positions in South Africa at Massey-Ferguson and African Explosives and Chemical Industries. After moving to Canada in 1980, he held executive roles with Nesbitt Thomson, the Ontario Securities Commission, and served as president and CEO of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada.
An avid golfer, Selwyn's commitment extended beyond his professional life and he was a member of various golf clubs. He also supported numerous community initiatives, including fundraising for the Toronto Symphony and the Salvation Army.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William Ezra McCulloh.
Born in Kansas in 1931, he grew up near Columbus in Worthington, Ohio. William graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts, triple-majoring in music theory and piano, German, and English. Having won a Rhodes Scholarship, he continued his studies at Oxford University, where he earned a degree in classics.
William joined the classics faculty at Kenyon College, Gambier, as an instructor in 1961. He was named an assistant professor the following year, upon the completion of his doctorate in classics from Yale University. William became a tenured professor in 1968 and retired as the John B. McCoy-Bank One Distinguished Teaching Professor of Classics. Shaping the lives of students over nearly four decades, he went on to be recognized as one of the College’s most valued faculty members.
Renowned for his extraordinary mastery of languages — including Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, German, French, Italian and Russian — and his innovative teaching, most notably his design of the elementary Greek course, William was recognized as Ohio Professor of the Year in 1995 and received numerous awards for distinguished teaching. Stories of his linguistic curiosity and ability were legendary, matched only by the personal care and encouragement he offered to every student and colleague.
A talented musician as well, he played the piano and was an accomplished violist who took up the violin to be part of the string quartet led by his close friend, the late Franklin Miller. William's dedication to learning, his talents as a musician, and his steady presence made a profound and lasting impact on his community and beyond.
Read full obituary here.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andrew Remson Jr.
Andy grew up in Talladega, Alabama, and began his education at Talladega High School before attending Marion Institute. He earned a BS from the United States Military Academy in 1951, and went on to read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics as a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College, Oxford, where he also played lacrosse for the University. Andy later completed an MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan.
Andy’s military career was marked by distinguished service and leadership. Rising through the ranks from 1st Lieutenant to Colonel, he held key roles in the US Army Corps of Engineers, served as Assistant US Army Attaché in Rome, and commanded an engineering battalion in Vietnam. He contributed significantly to military education as an instructor and later as Director of the Strategic Studies Institute at the US Army War College. His international experience included studies at the École Supérieure de Guerre in Paris and service as Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Throughout his life, Andy was recognized for his dedication, earning honours such as the Bronze Star, four Legions of Merit, and the Air Medal. After his military career, he continued to serve in strategic and analytical roles within the private sector.
We were saddened to learn of the death of Carlos Christopher Trower at age 77 in Lake Wales, Florida.
Chris was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky and attended Harrodsburg High School before studying at the University of Virginia. As a young man, he was known for his intense work ethic and abundant intellect. He worked many jobs before attending college, and he was typically found with his nose in a book in his spare time. He attended Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970, where he achieved magna cum laude.
He was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship and went on to attend the University of Oxford, from where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 1971. Following National Guard duty, Chris began his career as Special Assistant to the Director of the Kentucky Crime Commission. He continued his academic pursuits at Harvard Law School, earning his degree in Jurisprudence cum laude in 1976. After clerking for the Fifth Circuit, he practiced law in Louisville, Kentucky, and later Atlanta, Georgia, eventually becoming a partner at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan. Chris also shared his expertise as a lecturer in partnership and corporate taxation at the University of Louisville Law School and Emory Law School.
Chris was the author of works on partnership agreements and federal taxation. His most notable accomplishment as an attorney was successfully arguing and winning Kentucky Department of Revenue v. Davis, 128 S.Ct. 1801 (2008), before the Supreme Court of the United States. The case directly affected the tax treatment of approximately $2.4 trillion in municipal bonds outstanding nationwide and saved the States an estimated $3.0 billion in tax refund claims.
Outside of work, Chris ran sub-2:50 marathons and played "B" level tennis before taking up golf, croquet and bridge with his wife Linda. He also enjoyed cooking, expanding his library of detective and science fiction novels, and watching classic action movies. Chris was unique, engaging, fun-loving, and interesting above all else, and he will be missed by many.
Read full obituary here.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Boris Maksimov, at age 64.
Boris was born in 1961 in Moscow, USSR. He received his early education at School No 73 (1968-76) and School No 16 (1976-78) in Moscow before moving to Canada, where he attended Concordia University, earning a BA in 1985. He later continued his academic pursuits at St John’s, completing an MPhil in Oriental Studies in 1988.
Boris began his distinguished career at the BBC World Service, joining the Russian Service in 1989 and later serving as Senior Producer for the African Service from 1992. Throughout his time at the BBC, Boris was known for his talent, dedication and insightful contributions, especially within the Russian Service.
Boris is survived by two sons and a granddaughter, and he shall be remembered as a wonderful friend in the Rhodes community.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brigadier General Robert H. Baxter, who died on October 28, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born in New Jersey, Robert grew up in several states before graduating high school in Missouri, where he excelled as co-captain of the football team. He was recruited to the United States Air Force Academy in 1958, distinguished himself as both a varsity football player and Academy boxing champion, and went on to become a proud member of the “Red Tag Bastards” Class of 1962.
Robert was selected as a Rhodes Scholar and attended Trinity College at Oxford, where he studied politics, philosophy, and economics. He was honored to meet President John F. Kennedy during his time as a Rhodes Scholar, and later expanded his education at the Royal College of Defense Studies in London.
Following his studies, Robert entered pilot training, finishing top of his class and volunteering for fighter jet duty, which led to two combat tours in Viet Nam and more than 300 missions. He was highly decorated for his service, including receiving the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and the esteemed Lance P. Sijan award for outstanding leadership.
Throughout a long and distinguished military and business career, Robert served in various leadership roles, including as commander of Homestead Air Force Base and as a White House Fellow. After retirement, he thrived as a business owner and maintained his love for adventure, flying ultralight planes and cycling. Robert is survived by his wife, sister, children, step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Read full obituary here.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas Carbonneau, 75.
Tom was a respected law professor and beloved father and brother. Born in Van Buren, Maine, he lived a life of learning and generosity.
As a scholar of international, comparative, and domestic arbitration, Tom held the Samuel P. Orlando Distinguished Professorship at Penn State Law and the Moise S. Steeg Jr. professorship at Tulane University School of Law. During his more than 30 years as a professor, he was also a visiting professor at many universities across the globe including McGill, Fordham, University of Denver, Hamline University, University of California at Davis, and Queen Mary. He wrote more than fifteen books and eighty scholarly articles on law, including a treatise on arbitration.
He was also a lifelong student who valued the pursuit of knowledge. He was a Rhodes Scholar and held degrees from Oxford University, Bowdoin College, University of Virginia, and Columbia University.
Tom took great pride in his role as a father and professor. Looking after his family, and his students, was his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adrien and Lucille Carbonneau, and his brothers Pete and Greg. He is survived by his daughter, Sara, his niece, Mindy, and his brothers, Bill, Mike, and Rob, and his sisters, Edwina and Helen.
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."