Harvard History | February 10, 2017

Harvard Magazine puzzle master retires

A longtime contributor hangs up his pencil.

From The March-April 2017 Issue

John de Cuevas

Long-time Harvard Magazine crossword-puzzle master John de Cuevas ’52 has hung up his pencil, explaining, “I turned 86 last October and in the last few years have experienced a slackening of mental and physical powers.” He continues to create puzzles for his website, “but the extra ones I was doing for Harvard are more than I can manage now.” We thank him for bringing pleasure to puzzle-doers for decades. His full notice appears at harvardmag.com/decuevas-17—complete with a reproduction of his devilish creation for the University’s 350th anniversary, from the September-October 1986 issue.

~ The Editors

Published in the March-April 2017 print issue under the headline “86 Across,” in the Letters section.

You might also like

A man with a long beard and formal attire stands next to a chalkboard with an equation.

They Might Be (Harvard) Giants

Two tales of University greats—and an encounter with a Tiger

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

A Harvard President’s VW Beetle That Kept On Giving

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

A man sitting at a wooden table in a formal setting with portraits on the wall.

Cambridge Once Fought Harvard’s DNA Research. Now There’s a Play About It.

A theatrical reenactment explores a 1976 clash between science and democracy.

Most popular

Caricature of a young man in front of red doors, wearing a green striped sweater.

Explore More From Current Issue

Two fans celebrate in front of a TV showing a football game.

Research

A new Harvard Kennedy School project aims to harness the power of feral fandom.

Bronze statue of a seated figure holding a book, with a campus setting in the background.

Humanities

As humanities shrink across higher education, one department is flourishing. Is its success a fluke, or a roadmap?

Collage of three photos of an athlete in a triathlon: one swimming, one cycling, one running, in sports attire.

Alumni Profiles

The Harvard triathlete and coach says she helps normal people to “do extraordinary things.”