Tributes have been paid to a University of Oxford teacher who died following a collision on the M40.

Tsering Dhundup Gonkatsang, 66, who was popularly known as Genla - Tibetan for respected teacher - died following a collision on Friday, 27 April at 6.20am, according to police.

They say Mr Gonkatsang, a father-of-three, was taken to Wexham Park Hospital, where he passed away.

Today his family have paid tribute to him.

They said: "Genla will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather; a thoroughly professional, yet kind, helpful, humble and patient colleague; a passionate and skilled teacher; and a loyal and dependable friend with a great sense of humour.

"Tributes and prayers conducted all over the world attest to Genla's productive and highly meaningful life.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who paid respects in person, sent words of condolence, wrote tributes, and conducted prayers for the speedy rebirth of his consciousness.

"In these dark and difficult times, the family draws solace from these gestures."

Mr Gonkatsang was the first Tibetan language instructor in the Oriental Institute, at the University of Oxford. He had worked there since 2001.

His colleague Ulrike Roesler, Professor of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at Oxford University, added: "Tsering has been a passionate and inspiring teacher, and a colleague and friend of the utmost integrity for all those who had the privilege to work with him.

"Tibetan Studies at Oxford will not be the same without him. We will miss his energy, his enthusiasm and creativity as a teacher, and his inimitable sense of humour."

The campaigning group Tibet Watch said they were profoundly saddened and shocked by the news.

In an online post, they wrote: "An educator, teacher and activist, his permanent departure is a huge loss for the Tibetans in general and for Tibet Watch in particular.

"We pay our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family. He will be remembered for his untiring work towards Tibet’s freedom and education. May his soul rest in peace.” 


His funeral will be held on May 23 at 4pm, at Golders Green Crematorium.