Obituaries

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.

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.