R.I.P. Gary Gygax
As most of you certainly know, Gary Gygax passed away on March 4th.
My first contact with Gary was when I was a demo guy for “Dangerous Journeys.” He sent hand-signed Christmas cards to everyone, and I sliced my hand open on the envelope so bad that I ruined a carpet. I laughed and alternately called it my “Gygaxian Wound,” the “Enveloper of Wounding +5,” or the “Vorpal Envelope.” Needless to say, receiving a hand-signed Christmas card from the father of the industry was a major thrill–despite the horrific blood loss clearly indicating I’d lost a large number of Hit Points. (Game Designers have lousy saves.)
A decade later, someone picked up a D&D 3.0 book for me when it first came out at GC (I was working our booth). Gary was signing and I guess someone told him it was for me. He wrote “Hey Shane! Good job on Deadlands!” I have it on my top shelf, along with the numerous Hoyle’s signed by fans.
A year later, we spent a few hours together at a couple of smaller conventions, and I treasured every minute of it. He was warm, funny, and still incredibly enthusiastic about gaming. That stuck with me more than anything.
I think often about how not only the pen and paper industry, but a large part of the video and computer game industry wouldn’t be what it was without him.
I also think about how many hours of fun and enjoyment he brought to all of us. Or how he gave a creative outlet to kids who didn’t always fit in with the regular crowd so well. And perhaps most of all, how he created bonds of friendship that transcend any other community I’ve ever seen. I don’t remember the people I graduated high school or college with, as a rule, but I am still in touch or even work with those I gamed with.
Thanks for that, Gary. And rest in peace.
Shane