Magnus passes away

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Jan 8, 2007

Tributes poured in today for former Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson who has died at his home near Glasgow.

The presenter, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October, died peacefully last night, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife Mamie, to whom he was married for 52 years, and his four surviving children ( Sally, Margaret, Anna and Jon. His elder son Siggy died in 1973.

In a statement, his children said: "Magnus was the most generous, steadfast, loving and loved of husbands and fathers.

"He taught each of us how to live, and in the last few weeks he has taught us how to die. He did both with infinite grace."

Magnusson, 77, was best known for the BBC quiz show he hosted for 25 years.

Mark Thompson, BBC director-general, said: "For millions of viewers Magnus Magnusson was one of the defining faces and voices of the BBC.

"To the contestants of Mastermind, he was a tough but always fair questionmaster but behind this screen persona there was a family man of tremendous warmth and humanity.

"All our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time, and everyone at the BBC will share their tremendous sense of loss."

Magnusson was born in Iceland but moved to Scotland at an early age. He studied English at Jesus College, Oxford, before launching his journalistic career at the Scottish Daily Express and then The Scotsman.

He became a veteran TV presenter, and hosted Mastermind since its first recording in 1972. He was awarded an honorary knighthood in 1989 and served as Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University since 2002.