Obituaries

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."

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 Judge David Laurence McWilliam, whose long and meaningful life touched many.

Born in 1930, David demonstrated early promise as a star athlete and student before graduating from St. Francis Xavier University. In 1954, he was selected as a Rhodes Scholar and continued his studies at the University of Oxford, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to intellectual pursuit and public service.

Following his time at Oxford, David worked as a journalist for nearly a decade, contributing to esteemed publications such as The Evening Standard in London and The Ottawa Citizen. He later completed a law degree at the University of Ottawa and was called to the bar in 1966. David’s distinguished legal career included roles as a legal advisor to the Special Joint Committee on the Constitution of Canada and, notably, as a judge appointed to the County and District Court in 1976. As a judge, David was known for his thoughtful and principled approach, particularly in Charter cases, and for his enduring belief in justice and rehabilitation.

David will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and devotion to family, as well as for his integrity and compassion throughout his judicial service. He faced his later years and health challenges with quiet dignity and grace, and he leaves behind his legacy in law, family, and community.

Read full obituary here.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Gene Harvey in October this year at the age of 89.

A family practitioner who followed in his father’s footsteps as a doctor, Eugene was also a keen member of the Bermuda National Trust as well as the charity Keep Bermuda Beautiful.

After completing his Physiology degree at the University of Oxford in 1958, he trained at hospitals around the world before returning to Bermuda to set up his own general practice. He recalled in 2009 in a tribute by the Bermuda Health Foundation that the island had just one gynaecologist and no paediatricians when he returned home. He estimated that he assisted in delivering as many as 3,000 babies over his subsequent career.

Eugene was also a passionate environmentalist. Alongside his late wife, Susan, the couple volunteered long hours cleaning up Bermuda. They also advocating for stronger legislation to crack down on illegal dumping.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Rajeev Kalaswad.

Born in 1957 in Dharwar, Karnataka, Rajeev’s early education took place at Baldwin Boys High School in Bangalore, where he studied from 1965 to 1972. He continued on to the University of Poona, graduating with both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in 1977.

Rajeev pursued further studies at Bangalore University and the University of Delhi before arriving at St John’s College, Oxford, in 1980 as a Rhodes Scholar. At Oxford, Rajeev earned an MPhil in English Studies in 1982 and was awarded a Diploma in Social Anthropology with distinction in 1983.