今天收到一份信得知塔州总督Peter Underwood 不幸逝世，我也很难受，第一次因为外国领导人离世而伤心。记得那是2年前，塔州总督府开放，我和好友翁苏去总督府参观。虽然小雨，但是去的人还是很多很大，排成一条长龙，就是为了一睹里面的真面目。给我印象最深刻的是，总督及总督夫人在门口一直站立，与所有到来的人一一握手，攀谈，让我震撼。具体数字忘了，后面Mercury 报纸说大概那天总督在门口站了6小时接待了数千民众，握了几千次手，并且与每个人攀谈。我记得总督问我来自哪里？为什么来澳洲？现在感觉怎样等？
联想国内一些领导，联想国内以前研究生退学的艰难，（各种院系领导签名凑不齐）我觉得塔州的总督非常亲民，非常敬业，真正了解民众。
现附上一份塔州大学校长的一份信，和知道他的人共同寄托哀思：
Dear Wenbo
As many of you will be aware, His Excellency the Honourable Peter Underwood, AC, Governor of Tasmania, passed away yesterday after a short illness.
The University of Tasmania community is saddened by the loss of His Excellency, an upstanding figure in the Tasmanian community.
His Excellency was a passionate advocate for education who had strong ties to our institution. He was much valued in his capacity as the University’s Official Visitor, a ceremonial role under the University’s Act.
The Governor was one of the University’s most distinguished alumni, whose career and achievements serve as continued inspiration to young Law students.
After graduating from the University he practised law in Hobart. In 1984 he was appointed a Supreme Court judge. In 2001 the University recognised His Excellency’s many career accomplishments with an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
He was generous with both his time and considerable knowledge, sharing his expertise with the next generation of lawyers and scholars by teaching postgraduate students in our Faculty of Law.
His Excellency Chaired the Tasmanian Rhodes Scholarship selection committee and was patron of the Governor’s Environment Scholarships, which supported students to study issues of environmental management. His gregarious nature and sense of humour ensured that elegant Government House presentations became memorable occasions of celebration for our high-achieving students.
His Excellency was a learned and respected figure in the legal and political spheres but retained an admirable common touch. He conducted himself with great dignity and integrity, as befitted his role, but also with warmth and humanity.
peter underwood
His solid commitment to the law, education, and to Tasmania and its people will be his lasting legacy. His Excellency will be greatly missed.
Kind regards
Peter Rathjen
Vice-Chancellor
University of Tasmania
