From colleagues at WGBH in Boston:
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Richard Sher, creator, executive producer and host of the long-running wordplay program Says You!. Richard died February 9th after a battle with cancer. He was 66.
Richard’s creativity and humor was matched by his intelligence, energy and generosity of spirit. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, and by the audiences he delighted for nearly two decades.
Says You! was developed 19 years ago in partnership with WGBH. When Richard brought the idea for Says You! to us we embraced the opportunity to create a game show that celebrated the pleasure of words and wit. Richard shaped the program with his talent for language and puzzles, and recognition that audiences would be engaged by out-loud problem solving. He was right — audiences smiled, considered, played along and laughed from the beginning. He made Says You! a distinctive, inviting, and enduring celebration of curiosity. The program is now carried on more than 100 public radio stations nationwide.
Richard is survived by his wife, Laura Price Sher, and his son, Benjamin Payne Sher. Laura is program producer for Says You! working for Richard’s media company, Pipit & Finch. Says You! will continue its broadcasts on WBHM for the time being.
Additional details can be found via this obituary in The Boston Globe.
If you would like to offer condolences, here is the contact information:
Laura Sher
P.O. Box 724
Weston, MA 02493
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to:
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
C/O Deborah Schrag, MD
Department of Medical Oncology
450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215-5450
A memorial service will be held in the spring.