In Memoriam: Phillip V. Tobias
News, Paleoanthropology | 6 Comments
Phillip V. Tobias with Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey, inspecting the skull of Paranthropus boisei (originally called Zinjanthropus boisei).
It is with great sorrow that The Leakey Foundation shares the news of the passing of Dr. Phillip Vallentine Tobias (b. October 14, 1925).
Dr. Tobias was a world-renowned expert in the field of human origins and Professor Emeritus at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He received numerous honors and awards including South Africa’s Order for Meritorious Service and three nominations for Nobel Prize. Tobias worked closely with Leakey Foundation namesake Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey. Together with John Napier they identified, described and named the new species Homo habilis. Later in life Tobias served on the Foundation’s Scientific Executive Committee (SEC) and then sat as an Emeritus member of the SEC. Phillip Tobias was a dear friend to The Leakey Foundation and his contributions to human origins science are innumerable. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Tobias passed away today, Thursday, June 7, 2012 in Johannesburg after a lengthy illness. We offer our deepest condolences to family and friends of Dr. Tobias, and those who worked with him and knew him well. An interment ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 10th at West Park Jewish Cemetery, in Johannesburg.
My condolences go out to his family and the extended Leakey family. He did what I would have wanted to do, had I had the situation and the chance. I’m sad he’s gone, but he did good work, and I’m glad he did.
June 7th, 2012 at 8:27 PM (#)
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Tobias. He was a giant in the field whose great accomplishments will never be forgotten.
June 8th, 2012 at 12:10 AM (#)
I am saddened by the demise of Prof. P. Tobias, one of the founding fathers of Palaeoanthropology in Africa. On behalf of EAAPP I do convey our deepest condolences to colleagues in Southern Africa.
June 8th, 2012 at 12:19 AM (#)
We are sorry to hear of Phillip Tobias’ passing. We was a outstanding scientist, and a engaging and compassionate man who was a great friend to the Leakey family. He will be missed by us all. We extend our heart felt wishes to his surviving family and friends. Philip and Katy Leakey
June 10th, 2012 at 8:50 AM (#)
During June 2006 when I traveled to African continent on Gondwanaland expedition, this great man even being sick in the hospital bed bothered to meet me near the airport. But, luck prevented me to met him, though later we remained in touch through emails and exchanged views and experiences. He shared his experiences while in India in 1980s. While, I presenting before the ex-President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who had delivered a lecture in honour of Tobias, instantly asked me to meet Tobias! But, I remained unfortunate, and the great soul now rests in peace. Dr. Sankhyan
June 26th, 2012 at 10:00 AM (#)
During June 2006, when I traveled to the African continent on Gondwanaland expedition, this great man, even being sick in the hospital bed, bothered to meet me near the airport. But, luck prevented me to met him, though later we remained in touch through emails and exchanged views and experiences. He shared with me his experiences of India he visited in 1980s. While, I was presenting about my Africa visit before the ex-President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who had a day before delivered a lecture in honour of Phillip Tobias, instantly told, “you must meet Tobias”! But, I remained unfortunate, and the great soul now rests in peace not to meet anybody- Dr.A.R. Sankhyan, India
June 26th, 2012 at 10:09 AM (#)