Gaufrid – RIP

by

Gaufrid – RIP

I learned earlier today that Geoff Moss (aka Gaufrid) died last week.

Most of you will know that Gaufrid was the custodian of Fifteensquared for around thirteen years before he reluctantly retired in the middle of 2022 due to failing eyesight; he hadn’t been in the best of health for quite some time.

I believe that his “non religious” funeral will be in Lytham Crematorium on Monday 6th February.

If and when I receive any further information I will add it here.

 

142 comments on “Gaufrid – RIP”

  5. Sad news. Gaufrid has done a great service through Fifteensquared to the crossword solvers like me. My sincere thanks to him.

  7. So sad to hear of this. I wouldn’t be involved in the crossword world without the facilities he provided.

    Condolences to his family

  9. Condolences to Geoff’s family and friends. I can only echo what Jim T @2 says – this wonderful site is a great legacy to leave.

  11. Desperately sad news. I’m another whose cruciverbal life would not have developed in anything like the way it has, had it not been for this site and Gaufrid’s hard work and dedication to running it. Thoughts are very much with his family and friends.

  12. Very sad news indeed. Geoff did so much to develop this site and I know he was very unhappy about not being able to carry on when his sight deteriorated. He was very helpful to me with the Indy crosswords and we also shared many discussions about the merits of various malt whiskies. He will be very much missed in crosswordland.

  17. What sad news. As others have said, fifteensquared is a wonderful resource for cruciverablists and we are all deeply indebted to Geoff and his hard work over many years.

  24. So sorry to read this. Thanks for your considerable contribution to the promotion of cryptic crosswords. RIP.

  26. I came across this site during lockdown; my crossword experience would have been the poorer without it. Thank you Gaufrid. RIP

  27. Sad to hear of Geoff’s passing. Like many others, I have gained a great deal from this site. I was always impressed how he would step in at the last moment, when needed, to ensure any crossword was ‘never knowingly undersolved’. Condolences to his family and friends who I hope see these comments and thereby know how much he was appreciated by this community.

  28. I’m sorry to hear this. I am one of many who get a lot out of this site, and I am grateful to Gaufrid for it.

  29. Very sorry to hear this. Condolences to his relations and friends. His management of this site was truly superb.

  33. This is sad news indeed. I really hope that when Geoff had to step down we were able to adequately convey to him the extent of our appreciation and gratitude for everything he has done. It is worth repeating now. My condolences to his friends and family.

  34. Very sorry to hear this news. I shall always be thankful to Gaufrid for his massive contribution to this wonderful site.

  35. Terrible news. Condolences to his family and friends. His contribution to this site, of course, is beyond measure.

  38. Oh, this is such sudden sad news – my sincere condolences to his family and friends. He looked after us all so well on 15 squared … I had no idea he was unwell. RIP Gaufrid.

  39. Deep thanks, Gaufrid, for your years of dedicated stewardship of this site, enjoyed by so many of us worldwide.

  40. Such sad news. We still remember his owl avatar – just saying his name conjures up the image. This site remains a lasting legacy memorial for someone who dedicated so much time to ‘Crossword Land’. We never met him but as bloggers you always knew that he was looking out for you.
    Our sincere condolences to his family.

  41. A truly selfless blogger who has helped many to develop their solving skills. Sad news indeed. He will be missed . Thanks to a crossword legend and condolences to his family for their loss.

  42. I’m very sorry to hear this. Gaufrid did a wonderful job in looking after this site and in maintaining it as a such a valuable resource for crossword lovers.

    My condolences to his family and friends.

  44. Sad news indeed, RIP, and condolences to his family and friends.

    I think it’s probably fair to say that he and me didn’t always see eye to eye, but I’m not sure very much of that was Geoff’s fault. For some reason he nonetheless put up with me to the extent that he would test-solve my Indy puzzles, and his comments were of great value in improving my submissions. I’m grateful to Geoff for his help, wisdom, and ability to prevent my embarrassing mistakes from appearing in print.

    15/2 is a wonderful resource, and also a place that can be a lot of fun, and following Neil Wellard’s abdication Geoff took over with great aplomb, bringing about improvements and ensuring the site could continue to be the thing of wonder that it is.

  45. I’m very sorry indeed to learn of Geoff’s death. Although we never met, we exchanged many cordial emails. I think that his stewardship of this wonderful site was first-rate and many other discussion groups would do well to replicate his methods.
    RIP.

  46. How very sad. Thanks for letting us know. I have been using 15×15 for what feels like forever and remember his interventions, when he needed to intervene, always being polite, considered and absolutely fair. There are also those countless times he’s had to jump in and blog for someone else, seemingly always without complaint. What a gift he has left us in this site.

  47. Sad news. I hope his family and friends take some comfort in knowing that his site helped aspiring solvers all over the planet and provided a much needed diversion during the worst of the pandemic.

  48. What sad news. As Gaufrid, Mr Moss convened a rich, interesting, warm, amusing, civilised if at times a little argumentative (!) community that has meant so much to me over the years. And I’ve learned a lot! Sympathy to all who knew him, especially those closest to him of course.

  49. Very sad news. I returned to cryptic crosswords after an absence of half my life because of 15^2. RIP Gaufrid and my condolences to your family and friends.

  50. I echo Tony@47. We will all be the poorer for Gaufried’s passing, but his legacy lives on with its current custodian.

  53. Terrible news, though he could not have a better memorial than this site. Perhaps the site needs a memorial page for those who have most contributed. Gaufrid would be permanently at the top.

  54. As an American who had never before solved a cryptic, let alone tried, I came upon 15/2 and found a wonderful community where I felt welcome. My noob questions were (and still are) answered politely and without judgement, often (in the early days) by Gaufrid himself. Thanks to you all, and to Gaufrid. RIP.

  56. Sorry to hear this. Like others I would never have made much progress with cryptics if not for this site. I owe a lot.

  58. Such dreadful news. Gaufrid was kind enough to apply his considerable skill and experience to a review a couple of my amateurish efforts at compiling. I shall always remember his kindness.

    My thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

    Goodbye Geoff.

  59. Just seen the sad news this morning. I knew he’d had health troubles, but it still comes as a bit of a shock. I remember with affection his valiant attempts to keep our discussions on-topic, especially during the Covid lockdowns, when some of us contributors must have sorely tested his patience with our painful puns and musical meanderings. Having said that, I think my last interaction with him was a lovely exchange about the Girl from Ipanema. “And when he passes, each one he passes…”

  61. I once received a well-deserved reprimand from Gaufrid for wandering off-topic. It was done gracefully but forcefully! He will be much missed.

    Rest in peace, Gaufrid.

  62. So sorry to hear this news – my condolences to his family. I have recommended this site to hundreds of budding crossword solvers over the years, for its clarity of thought. And this is due to the fabulous work done by Gaufrid (and colleagues) to make it the world-famous resource that it has now become.

  63. Very sad news. This site is a wonderful resource for setters and solvers. Geoff was always a pleasure back in my blogging days and I always appreciated his considered comments when test-solving Indy puzzles. He’ll be much missed.

  66. Very sad news. RIP Gaufrid/Geoff, and my condolences to his nearest and dearest.

    Although we never met, I feel as though I have lost an old friend. He gave me a lot of advice and support in my early blogging days, and that support carried on over the years – as bertandjoyce said above – ‘as a blogger, you always knew he was looking out for you’…

  69. RIP Gaufrid you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the wonderful things that you did on this site (and elsewhere, I’m sure).

  72. Very sorry to hear this and condolences to the family. 15 squared is a wonderful resource to cruciverbalists across the globe. Thanks Gaufrid.

  73. Such sad news. I always hoped that one day I might share a single malt or two with him. But what a great site Gaufrid has left for us all to enjoy.

    Condolences to family and friends.

  75. Very sad news. Unfortunately Geoff was never well enough to attend any of the Sloggers & Betters events, so he remained elusive to most of us – an occasionally stern but always kindly eminence grise, full of wisdom and encouragement. This site is a great epitaph.

  76. So sad to hear this news. It’s heartening to see so many setters, bloggers and solvers coming together to pay tribute to him. Diolch yn fawr, Gaufrid. RIP.

  78. So sorry to hear this sad news. I never met Geoff, but in his role at the heart of the crossword community he touched and benefited my life significantly.

  79. I never knew him beyond the confines of this site, but this feels like such a sad loss. His tireless work on fifteen squared was astonishing and so highly appreciated. Thank you, Gaufrid, and condolences to friends and family.

  80. I’m sorry to hear this. This site is a wonderful resource but the etiquette which permeates the place is also something to which Gaufrid made a key and sustained contribution. It’s a wonderful legacy and he sounds a wonderful man.

    I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

  81. This site is indeed a great tribute to Gaufrid’s endeavour and dedication. A beacon in terms of civility in addition to being very useful. My condolences to his family and close friends.

  82. RIP Gaufrid. Thank you for all the pleasure this thoughtful, helpful site has brought me for many years, most of them under Gaufrid custodianship.

  83. Really sad news. I think I only ever had one contact with Gaufrid when I stepped slightly out of line with a comment and had my wrist gently slapped. Thanks Gaufrid, your behind the scenes supervision has clearly been very much appreciated by so many. RIP

  84. Very sad news. I never met Geoff but I corresponded with him a few times. He was always very supportive of bloggers. He did a huge amount of work in maintaining the site for many years. I think it was a labour of love and pretty much the focus of his life. I was aware that he hadn’t been well for some time and that he had failing eyesight which was frustrating him in his work on the site. RIP Gaufrid.

  86. I would like to echo previous comments on the wonderful fifteensquared site and add my condolences to Gaufrid’s family and friends.

  87. I would just reinforce the general expressions of sadness here and join in offering condolences to those personally close to him. I do not have a long history with this site, as many do, but I recall one occasion when Gaufrid intervened to check a string of unpleasant posts I had been receiving from a setter who had taken exception to a comment I had posted on his puzzle, and which ended with Gaufrid himself being told to Sod Off. The setter knows who he is; but, coming very late in the commenting day, it showed how tirelessly vigilant Gaufrid was in his monitoring of the traffic on the site.

  88. This is extremely sad news. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Gaufrid’s family and friends.

    It’s hard to think of modern crossword-blog ideology as being anything but synonymous with Gaufrid. A fastidious tester, hugely generous with his time, and a great help to all of us who benefited from his efforts. We’ll always be indebted and will remember him through this thankfully continuing wonderful resource. RIP Gaufrid.

    This interview additionally highlights his endearing humility.

  90. Very distressing news. I had some correspondence with Gaufrid in the recent-ish past and was amazed at the time and attention he so willingly gave me. I felt I was dealing with an advanced specimen of humanity. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

  92. Just seen this news.
    I never had the pleasure of knowing Gaufrid, but, wow, what a lovely, learned, patient man he must have been.
    He will be sadly missed in crossword land. And this site will ensure he is never forgotten.
    Condolences to his family.

  94. I’ve been really struggling to find words of my own to speak for myself but, like jmac @93, I totally concur with Monk@ 88 and I most strongly urge commenters to follow his link – its here: https://www.crosswordunclued.c:om/2013/11/interview-gaufrid.html if you’re nervous about links.

    Geoff and I started blogging within a couple of months of each other in 2008 and, following a chance remark of mine on the blog that it looked as if I was going to have to buy a Chambers, he (characteristically) kindly alerted me to a Waterstones offer on the latest edition and thus began a regular email / telephone conversation, mostly about the Saturday Guardian Prize puzzle {except when I was blogging it, when I eschewed help but did,
    very occasionally, accept a gentle nudge. 😉 )

    Although, like the rest of us (see Gervase @75), I never met him – we always hoped he would be able to join us at a S and B gathering – I have lost a very dear and valued friend. RIP Geoff x

  95. For me, Gaufrid has been something of a legendary presence in Crosswordland. He sits at the pinnacle of this site and in a way I think he always will.
    Condolences to his friends and family and ongoing thanks for all the service to the world of crosswords we love.

  96. I’ve been struggling a bit wondering how to comment. Geoff was such a help when I started here in October 2010. Always there when I struggled in early blogs and understanding when personal life forced me to take a break. His ability to see complex word play was the best I’ve known. RIP my friend.

  97. I’m so sorry to hear this news. We only corresponded briefly but it was warm, welcoming cheery stuff and he’s certainly made so many people’s journey into crosswordland a little less bumpy.

  98. Very sad news – may Gaufrid/Geoff rest in peace. What a huge debt of gratitude he is owed by the crosswording fraternity! I hope that Fifteensquared will be represented at his funeral.

  99. Yet one more message of sadness and gratitude for someone who felt like a parent whose hand to hold during daily struggles with crosswords.

  100. So sad! I always marvelled at the sheer amount of time and work he managed to give to us (I pictured him alternating between garden and 15²). It really is a shock; quite apart from our site, he was so kindly in other ways. When the Indy was still in print and, if I missed one Geoff would send me a copy and always with pleasure. I think of Richard Whiteley and Countdown or Nicholas Parsons and Just a Minute and hope we will hold on to Gaufrid’s memory with the same respect and affection; I like Phi’s suggestion @53
    allanc@15 is so right, and I echo Roz’s observation @19
    This exceptionally generous man, whose own arrival here coincided with the wider coming of the smartphone, may have contributed as much, if not more, to the health of cryptic crosswords internationally as any other human being has, or ever will.
    Requiescat in Pace

  101. Really sad to hear this. He should be remembered as someone who set up a worldwide community of like-minded people who meet daily for thoughtful interaction which is almost exclusively friendly and positive. In a world where negativity is the norm, this is a rare achievement. May he RIP.

  104. I, like others, treasure this site. My thanks also go to Gaufrid for his dedication and hard work. Condolences to his family and friends

  105. It’s strange to feel such a sense of loss for someone I’ve never met. Without this amazing site I’d never have persevered with cryptics. Thank you Gaufrid wherever you are now.

  108. Was wondering what I could possibly write but bodycheetah@105 and lastplantagenet@106 have summed it up for me perfectly. And thanks Monk and Eileen for that link to the interview – now I am wondering which ale was his favourite.

  111. Very sad to hear this, 225 inspired me to cpntinue to attempt solving puzzles when I would have given up, improved my skills and intgroduced me to some great people. Thanks and goodbye Gaufried

  112. Very sad news. He did an incredible job, and as far as one could tell monitored the site practically round the clock. Rest in peace.

  114. I heartily concur with those who have said that this site is itself a fitting memorial to all of Geoff’s caring and knowledgeable management of it over the years.
    RIP Geoff.

  115. I’ve only just caught up with the sad news. This site is a perfect legacy for him, and thanks to Monk for the link to his interview. Condolences to family and friends.

  118. I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already said. We owe so much to Mr Moss. This site is a wonderful legacy – may it continue to be so for a long time.

    In his honour I shall pour a wee drop of my favourite single malt, listen to some Bach, and thank him for what he has contributed to the lives of so many of us.

  120. I find it really difficult to know what to say about Gaufrid, as I have had few encounters with him as a latecomer to this site. (He did appear on the Guardian threads in lockdown reminding us not to get too side-tracked, but that’s more-or-less when I got involved). However I have to celebrate the legacy of this site with the warmth of the community and commentary that is so valuable to so many of us, including the international insights – such an incredible achievement.

  122. Very sad news. RIP and condolences to his family and friends. I had little direct contact apart from the occasional bollocking for wrong-doing but this site is very much a great legacy due to his curation and development.

  123. Coming late to this thread, I can only echo what others have already said. Geoff was a comforting presence to a blogger, always available to help with tricky parsings or scheduling problems. I am glad that I was able to help him a couple of years ago with a potential claim against the site for (inadvertent) breach of copyright. This ad-free (and no pop-ups) site represents the best of the internet and is indeed his legacy to the crossword community.

  124. I agree, great interview @88 and @94.

    Reading about Geoff’s career made me think back on his frequent mentions in the blog of having been an engineer. And I don’t agree for a second with his assessment of himself as not creative!

    RIP Geoff. I’m a relative newcomer to this site (though not to cryptic crosswords) so I’m really glad to have gotten here in time to know his blogs.

  127. Like many others, I have been pondering what to say about someone I never met, but whose work I use nearly every day. While site etiquette generally frowns on posts which simply say “I agree”, I think those who have said Si monumentum requiris… have hit the nail on the head. Gaufrid has bequeathed us a beautifully designed, user-friendly resource which operates in a mutually respectful way. Thanks to “225” he will be remembered with quiet gratitude by a great many people for a long time to come. It’s not given to many to achieve so much.
    RIP Gaufrid.

  128. Very sad to read this news. Gaufrid was very helpful to me over the years with various things. What a fabulous place and community he nourished.

  129. These comments are testimony to how much this site means to so many people, and to the value created by those dedicated to keeping it going. I leaned the art of cryptic crosswords squashed into an armchair with my dad as a child as he talked me through the guardian clues, and in recent years I have taken up the hobby again. As well as just being a satisfying pastime, it feels like I am carrying on a family tradition and keeping part of my dad alive. When I found this site by accident a couple of years ago, it made me feel that I am part of a larger community of crossword fans, which is a comfort. Condolences to Gaufrid’s friends and family.

  130. Unutterably sad news. I always hoped I’d meet Gaufrid in person. He was a kind mentor and judicious custodian of this site which has taught me so much. Gaufrid created the sense of belonging that characterises this welcoming and lively international crossword community. I will be forever grateful. Peace now, Geoff.

  133. I am in disbelief reading this news about Geoff. While I never did get the chance to meet him in person, through our many email exchanges, I did get glimpses of the keen intellect and brains behind the 15^2 site, the unassuming genius with a gentle hand on the reins and a fellow connoisseur of whisky.

    I hope he knew that the Crossword world was significantly better off with him in it, and that he would be sorely missed. RIP Geoff

  134. Reading this post rather late since I’m not a frequent visitor here, and actually got alerted to this via the footnote in the recent IQ puzzle. My thanks to him for his work here which is a wonderful resource. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family.

  135. Geoff, thank you so much for all you have done.

    You created something that enhances one’s appreciation of puzzles, and allows for new solvers to enjoy the art, learn, and make friends along the way.

    Above all, you have brought a community together, and we all need each other more than ever.

    Thank you Geoff, and may you rest well. You’ve done a fine job.

    John aka Paul

  136. I have never met gaufrid, but I felt his presence everywhere. His redaction of my puzzles has been astute. Fifteensquared is amazing. Gaufrid was amazing. A presence I will miss

  137. So sad to hear this news. Gaufrid was such a pillar for the community on this site. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  138. A most remarkable man with impeccable judgement as a moderator and exceptional solving skills. As many other lesser mortals have said here, I only wish I could have met him. RIP. Tupu.

  142. Gaufrid, thank you for creating this community. My condolences to family and friends. I hope they get some comfort from knowing the difference you made. It takes an exceptional person to bring so many people together.

Comments are closed.