Crossword master Araucaria reveals in puzzle that he is dying of cancer

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

those of us who have spent many hours in a complete brain blockage because of this man will still be most sad to learn that he is seriously ill .... a truly national treasure, we can but wish him well in his treatment ... graun

[Resurrection Man]

That is indeed a great shame and likewise wish him well. For a lesser cryptic-crossword solver like me, I put him towards the extreme end of cryptic-ness and rarely can see how his clues work even when I know the answer! He is right up there at the top of setters.

[gradus]

Sad news, he was a constant and stimulating companion during commutes to and from London. My best wishes to him.