We were saddened to hear of Dan Naddor's untimely passing this week. He had been battling cancer and was producing top-quality crosswords despite being quite ill. Most of Dan's puzzles were published in the Los Angeles Times—several each month—so this loss to the crossword community is felt most keenly by L.A. Times puzzle fans.
If you're curious to know more about Dan's prolific puzzle career, don't miss C.C.'s interview from last spring.
Rest in peace, Dan.
Update: Dan's wife Tracie sent along details about his memorial service in California. Dan asked that those attending wear "no mourning attire—flip-flops preferred. And be sure to laugh." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hoag Cancer Center. Dan also leaves behind three children: Courtney Lauren (24), Mike Naddor (21), and Alex Naddor (11). Our condolences to the family.
20 comments:
I'm extremely upset by this. Never met the man, only knew him by his work.
And at Christmas time, too.
My thoughts are with Dan's family, and I'm so sorry for their loss.
Deep condolences to his family. Also only know him from his prolific work in the Los Angeles Times crossword. Thank you for all the entertainment you've given us, even during your illness.
Dan will be missed...condolences to his family.
So sad, condolences to his wife and children. Hope he enjoyed until the end. Thank you for all the wonderful puzzles we have enjoyed.
May he find eternal peace and may his loved ones find solace from their grief.
His excellent work reached many people and will be remembered. Peace and blessings to the family.
My deepest condolence to Dan's wife and daughter.
You touched many who you never met with your wit and puns.
You will be missed greatly.
I am deeply saddened by this. My condolences to his friends and family. He was both immensely talented and prolific - wonderful for all of us.
He was also kind and generous. I was working on a puzzle very similar to one of his that was published in the LAT back in October. I sent him a note asking about 'the rules' associated with similar themes. He not only responded, but came up with a way for me to change my idea (slightly) to come up with a very different (and much more entertaining) approach.
I will miss him and his work.
What a loss to the puzzling community. My thoughts are with Dan's friends and family during this difficult time.
RIP and condolences, enjoyed the challenges, thank you sir.
The LAT Xword and Dan Naddor have been one in the same for the past year. You knew Thursday or Friday and Dan was going to be there. Very sad news and condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Dan's family. I always looked forward to his puzzles. His clever and often humorous themes brightened my day. Dan will be missed very much.
I was fortunate enough to have met Dan a couple of times. The last time I saw him, we discussed some of our favorite themes, and he showed me a few of the new ideas he was working on. His love of construction was contagious. I remember he said, “If Rich tells me six theme entries are enough, then I’m going to squeeze seven in there!” That still makes me smile, even at such a sad time.
You will be greatly missed, Dan, and my deepest condolences go out to your family. Rest in peace.
Sad news, I sincerely enjoyed Mr. Naddor's puzzles and his witty word use.
My condolences to his family.
That's sad news indeed. RIP Dan, you'll be missed.
I'm so sorry and shocked to hear this news. What a wonderful contribution he made, and what a loss for all of us who enjoyed his work. Sincerest condolences to the Naddor family.
Very sad to hear this. Dan was one of the best.
When I looked at yesterdays puzzle's constructor I said to myself "Oh good, I love his puzzles". So very saddened at the news of his passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends, he will be missed sorely by his puzzle family as well.
Dan was a first-rate constructor. Earlier this year, he won not one but two 2008 ORYX Awards for crossword construction (given out by me and Orange). Take a look back...
Oryx Awards, 2008
A very sad way to close an otherwise wonderful puzzling year.
RP
How very sad. Dan's name was synonymous with the LA Times crossword. How old was he anyway? A big loss for the crossword community...
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