Robert Alan Segal

I first read Robert's work while waiting for an emergency passport in Glasgow in the summer of 1999. His monograph, Explaining and Interpreting Religion, was a revelation with its lucid prose and forensic analysis, a far cry from the Post-Structuralist dirge I was knee deep in.

I first met him at a Psychology of Religion conference in Glasgow where he looked out for me, and was a bit of terror to others, in his loveable rogue fashion. As my PhD examiner in 2007 he told me right up front I had passed, and then proceeded to give me the grilling of my life.

I worked tangentially to him in the University of Aberdeen from 2010 to 2012, and witnessed him undertake one of the most selfless, genuinely altruistic acts I have ever seen, where he inserted himself in to a patent injustice with a department not related to our area, and fought for a student so ferociously that they were able to finish their doctorate.

At this point I was retraining as a medic and every time I bumped into him in Marks and Spencer he would make a joke about me being his proctologist. (Fortunately, that was never my area of interest in medicine.)

He took my better half under his wing and she attended post-graduate conferences and talks for a time, being generous with his time and his humour.

Bon Voyage Professor. The world is a dimmer place with your loss.

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Segal.

Professor Segal was a lecturer of mine whilst I studied Religious Studies at Aberdeen University. I distinctly remember his classes on Myth theory. I greatly appreciated his attitude learning. I struggled a lot with essays and exams. However, for the first time I excelled in his class. He would always say that he was more concerned with my ability to show him I understood the theory and what he’s taught me, and he didn’t care about referencing and writing a well written/structured essay. This was such a relief for me who struggled with this. It was so good to be seen and understood. He didn’t need me to fit into a box, he let me be me and I’m so grateful.

He was particularly kind and thoughtful and I really was touched by his way of being. He was always such a calm and understanding, salt of the earth man. I feel I would be doing an injustice to his memory if I didn’t mention his jokes. He was never short on jokes and never short on time to hear our jokes.

I am to this day, still so grateful to Professor Segal for allowing me to thrive in my own way, and for validating my learning and experience. He will forever stay in my head and my heart and I’m so lucky to have been taught my such a fantastic man.

My thoughts go out to those close him. I’m so sorry for your loss. X

Professor Rob Segal was more than just a mentor during my toughest moments — he was a beacon of support when I needed it most.

His constant encouragement and genuine kindness helped me navigate the challenges of my degree, and I will always be grateful for that. What truly set him apart was his brilliant sense of humour and his sharp wit. He had this incredible ability to make even the most complex topics seem approachable, and he always did it with a touch of class that left an impression on everyone around him.

Losing him feels like losing a friend, and the world feels a little dimmer without his light. Rest easy, Professor Segal. You’ll be missed deeply!

Remembering Prof Segal, who was an outstanding teacher, whose passion and expertise in the fields of myth and religion are truly inspiring. His contributions to these subjects have significantly enriched our understanding and sparked a deep interest in many of us. I feel privileged to have been a part of his classes. May he rest in peace.

Honoring Prof. Segal, who made learning fun with his humor and incredible teaching. His warmth and wisdom left us with unforgettable memories. Prof. Segal, you'll be greatly missed.

I am heartbroken by the loss of Prof Segal. His unique teaching style and unwavering support were pivotal in my academic journey. Without his guidance and encouragement, I might have given up on university altogether. I have fond memories of his engaging lectures, which not only imparted knowledge but also inspired a genuine love for learning. Prof Segal was an exceptional educator and a remarkable person, and he will be greatly missed.

Remembering the generosity of Robert Segal. Robert was a generous, funny, and infectious intellectual who was at once a scathing critic yet nurtured his students with all his passion. He will be sadly missed but always remembered.

Robert was a massive support to me when I was struggling with my degree, he was always full of kindness and encouragement. I'm so sad he's gone. Rest in peace, my friend Robert.

Robert Segal was a wonderful man, instrumental in my academic journey, I was so saddened to hear of his passing. Above all else, he was one of the funniest and toughest Profs I ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Robert would ploy me with Starbucks coffee and exchange voluminous bags of bird seed so I could take care of his beloved pigeons while he was away. His sense of humour often hid his enormous academic talent, and Aberdeen University was so lucky to have a scholar of his standing

A fond farewell to Aberdeen University's Professor Robert Segal, who has sadly died. Robert was the smartest, craziest, funniest person I've met. He was generous and kind. I'll miss him, and I'll miss his jokes. Thank you, Robert. (He'd joke only his wife had to call him 'Prof'.)

Sad news: Our past editor (1998-2007) Robert A Segal passed away some days ago in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was Chair in Religious Studies (since 2006). He was a noted theorist of myth.