It is with great sadness that the Club can announce the passing of former Oxford United Director, Desmond Morris.
After a lifetime of exploration, curiosity and creativity, Desmond Morris passed away peacefully on Sunday 19 April, aged 98, following a short illness, having never spent a single day in hospital until that point.
Doc Morris, as many of us affectionately knew him, came to prominence as an author of books studying human behaviour, with his ground-breaking book, The Naked Ape, selling over 20 million copies. He went on to write many more books on related subjects, including The Soccer Tribe, where he analysed many factors of the game, including its supporters, using material from his interactions with Oxford United fans for certain sections.
At various times he was a season ticket holder, Director, Vice Chairman and Vice President of the Club but his abiding association was the creation of our club emblem, the ox head, in 1978, based on a fierce Minoan bull. The logo has been used by the Club ever since and still is today.
He spent his later years living in Ireland with his son Jason and family, moving from his Oxford home after the death of his wife of 66 years, Ramona. Zoologist, man-watcher, author, TV presenter, and surrealist artist, he was writing and painting until his last week.
He watched every Oxford United match that he could on TV, including our win against Watford only a week before his passing. His was certainly a life well lived and he leaves a legacy with the Club.
Everyone at Oxford United's thoughts are with Desmond's friends and family at this time.