Obituaries
Please alert us to the recent death of any other Rhodes Scholar by emailing communications@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal in 1965, Wolfgang was educated at Lyttleton Manor High School and Paul Roos Gymnasium before attending the University of Stellenbosch for his Bachelor of Engineering from 1984 to 1987.
He arrived at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1988, where he met Dorothea Sievers. Wolfgang and Dorothea got married in South Africa the following year, and they were active in the Trinity College and Rhodes communities until his graduation.
After earning his DPhil in Engineering Science in 1991, Wolfgang joined Siemens, Munich as a Research Engineer the following year. He had a successful and distinguished career and a happy family life with Dorothea and their three children, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Baillie.
Charles was born in 1937 in Port Shepstone, Natal. Charles attended Rondebosch Boys High School followed by Rhodes University, where he completed a BA in 1957 and a BSc in 1960. He arrived at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1962 and joined Trinity College, where he read mathematics.
Charles’ professional journey began at SANLAM in Cape Town as an actuarial student from 1965 to 1968, before moving through roles in marketing (1969-73) and pension management (1973-74). He subsequently joined Old Mutual Life Assurance Society as a pensions actuary (1974-76) and property manager (1977-79), later becoming a partner at Allan Gray Investment Counsel until 1992. He was a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries in Scotland (1969) and served as Treasurer of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (1978), in addition to being on the Board of Governors for the Rhodes University Foundation (1988).
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ralph Simmons, an eminent scientist and cherished member of our community.
Born in Kansas in 1928, Ralph’s early life was marked by a boundless curiosity and academic promise. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Kansas before being selected as a Rhodes Scholar to study physics at Oxford University, later earning his doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Ralph's academic journey blossomed into an extraordinary career at the University of Illinois, where he became a distinguished leader in condensed matter and low-temperature physics. Serving as department head, he guided thirty-three doctoral students, recruited new faculty, and earned widespread recognition, including the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Humboldt Senior Scientist Award, and election as a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, remembered for his love of family, his passion for travel and classical music, and his remarkable ability to teach and inspire those around him. His legacy endures in the many lives he touched, both inside and outside the lecture hall.
Read full obituary here.
We were saddened to learn that Graham Neame passed away recently at the age of 93.
Born in Port Elizabeth, Cape Province to wool merchant EE Neame, Graham was educated at St Andrew’s College (1944-47), and went on to receive his BA from Rhodes University in 1950. He arrived at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1951, joining Jesus College to study Modern History.
Graham joined University of Fort Hare as a lecturer in 1955, moving on to Natal University in 1957 and Rhodes University in 1963, eventually joining University of the Witwatersrand in 1985.