Emeritus Professor Tim Dunne, who was head of the Department of Statistical Sciences for eight years, was known for his commitment to social upliftment.  He was a well known figure while studying at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, where he served two terms as SRC president and rallied students and organised marches and picket lines.  He completed his PhD at UCT and taught at universities in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and California before returning to lecture at UCT.

Professor Dunne played a leading role internationally in the statistics community and served on government committees overseeing the standards of national examinations.  South Africa's statistician-general Pali Lehohla, said, "He lived to be an intellectual giant, yet imbued personal humility.  Through his soft-spoken mannerisms he would deliver an intellectual killer punch, always standing firmly behind those he believed in."

Colleagues from the Department of Statistical Sciences commented, "Through his untimely death we have lost a very special man who will be remembered for his intellect, his integrity, his humour and his generosity.  He always had the wellbeing of individuals and the community at heart and did not hesitate to fight for what he believed was right."

Dunne is survived by his son Rowan, his first wife Lucille Hattingh, his second wife Dee Wills and his six stepchildren and seven stepgrandchildren.

A requiem mass will be held on Friday 22nd April 2016 at 15h00 at St Michael's Catholic Church in Rondebosch.