Guardian Prize R.i.p Rufus

[samuipete]

R.I.p. Rufus

[Lie-in King]

Yes, RIP Rufus.

...Though I can't find an obituary, which strikes me as odd. Unless I'm looking at the wrong person - Roger Squires?

[jazzgirl]

I thought he was still alive. He retired some years back.
Can you copy and paste a link samuipete ?

[jazzgirl]

Sad to hear >. http://bigdave44.com/2023/06/10/roger-squires-rufus-rip/

[Lie-in King]

Thanks jazzgirl - I still find it strange that there's no obit though.

As you've linked to to that site, I'll add this -

http://bigdave44.com/2023/06/01/big-dave/

BigDave was an AB'er, though hadn't been on for a couple of years. He was a good friend to me & so many others. RIP Dave.

[jazzgirl]

I remember Dave on AB.
R.I.P. both of you dear people

[Pete65]

Rest easy, Rufus.

[jno]

the Guardian has a commemorative puzzle

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/prize/29093

[Buenchico]

A 2011 interview, which might be of interest to some here:
https://www.crosswordunclued.com/2011/11/interview-roger-squires.html

[haras2]

Thanks for posting that interview, Buenchico. It really was so interesting and painted a picture of a fascinating, multitalented man...
meanwhile back to the crossword :-

[samuipete]

Great interview Buenchico, thanks.
A jammed cylinder (5,4) is a goodie.

[samuipete]

Hi Jazzgirl, there are some links now. I only realised as yesterday's Guardian Prize was a tribute.

[jazzgirl]

Thank you buenchico and samuipete. When I finally started on the Guardian tribute crossword, it brought back happy memories of Rufus humorous clues. He was truly a gifted man

[Lie-in King]

All well & good & thank you all for the input. However, I'm still somewhat mystified that there's been no official notification (that I can find) & that the Grauniad chose to make the announcement of Rufus's passing with a (not great imo) crossword. It all feels a little bit contrived & tbh, a tad crass.

[jazzgirl]

I am now finding it rather unsettling that Roger's obituary has not even had a mention in the Shropshire Star. The last article was when he retired aged 85.

[jazzgirl]

I have just found this
https://qsqnews.com/2023/06/11/death-and-obituaries-of-roger-squires-news/?feed_id=111&_unique_id=6485e3322f0ae

[Lie-in King]

https://tinyurl.com/24w834a9

"An obituary is coming..." - only 11 (so far) days late. I can't help but feel someone dropped the ball here - the world's most prolific setter doesn't even get an article to himself. Damn poor show all round imo.

[Lie-in King]

Apologies, jazzgirl, I'd managed to skim past your post. Still odd that none of the mainstream outlets have managed to publish anything decent (again, that I can find).

[jazzgirl]

LiK
I am finding it all rather sad . I wonder how his family are feeling about the lack of a proper obituary :(