Eight-time Countdown winner dies at age of 75

AN eight-time champion of TV quiz show Countdown has died at his Tayside home after a “lifetime” of health struggles.

Today, the brother of Michael Macdonald-Cooper, 75, paid tribute to the “octochamp” who was also a renowned crossword compiler for several national newspapers.

Speaking from his home in York, where Michael died in hospital, Stephen Cooper said his brother was an exceptionally clever man who always excelled at school.

Michael was born in Barnsley and went to school there before studying at Oxford University, where he graduated in modern languages.

He worked as a teacher for some time before gaining a diploma in vocational guidance.

Michael worked in that field for many years, including in a post at Grampian Regional Council, before retiring early due to continuing ill health.

Stephen said that Michael suffered from rheumatic fever as a young man.

He said: “Michael had an ongoing heart condition as a result and a doctor once told our mother that he wouldn’t live very long.

“He got to the age of 75, so we reckon he did pretty well.”

Stephen said Michael had aortic valve surgery 48 years ago, followed by further surgery 10 years ago.

He added that Michael moved to Kirriemuir with his wife Cecilia more than 30 years ago. She died four years ago.

He said: “Michael excelled at school and was always top of the class. He was Countdown champion eight times in 2008.

“He also reached the semi-finals of Mastermind in 1986 where his specialist subject was the poems of Rudyard Kipling.

“I don’t think he realised when he chose that subject that there were so many of them.

“He was also the winner of the Oxford Observer Superbrain title in 1984.

“Michael loved crosswords and went on to compile them for various publications including The Independent, The Times, The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and The Listener. He was also crossword compiler for Oxford Today and Dundee Bridge Club.”

Stephen said Michael would be recognised by crossword enthusiasts by his various pseudonyms such as Calmac, Spurious and Andrew Campbell.

He added: “Michael’s humanity and wit characterised him as much as his intellect.

“He will be fondly remembered by all his family, who mostly live in York.”