Bob Dyson 1951-2024

https://www.wittenborg.eu/bob-dyson-1951-2024.htm

With extreme sadness, we must inform you of the death of our loved and respected colleague and possibly your teacher or mentor, Bob Dyson.

Bob passed away last week, after a short illness, and his Wittenborg colleagues stayed in touch with him until the end. He was an extremely popular and highly esteemed lecturer in our school, and we shall miss him enormously.

Today, his funeral was held in a beautiful part of the Netherlands where nature is prime. It was attended by over 120 people, including family and friends and representatives of Wittenborg.

Our colleague and friend of Bob, Lasantha De Silva, gave a moving and compassionate speech during the ceremony.

“As a teacher, he didn’t just impart information; he inspired not only his students but also his peers to think critically, question, and explore the world with wonder. He always added a different colour to the teacher’s meetings – discussing how we should get our students prepared for the future. I recall he pioneered to record mini lessons on how to create a business plan during COVID times – he was a great teacher always thinking outside the box for a better learning experience for his students. I know I was on his speed dial when he had issues, especially with regard to education logistics – whether it be his online course area or his laptop giving him trouble, or when the Outlook app wasn’t working on his phone. After we see through the issues, he always walks away with him, quoting, “Things get fixed much faster with your magic touch, thank you Lasantha”.

Bob Dyson taught for Wittenborg since 2009, starting when we were a small business school in the city of Deventer. In the last 15 years, his guidance and expertise, along with his colleagues, have been instrumental in our growth. He also experienced increased research and a focus on accreditation, such as AACSB, which requires a high level of faculty qualification.

A few years ago he reminded us that qualification is important ‘of course’ - but the real-life experience can never be replaced by plain research. Very recently, (a few weeks ago) Bob told us, “You know, don’t forget that people like me, too, have experience in running a business and are passionate about teaching, and we are so important for a business school”.

With that thought, we will remember him forever.