Gary Gygax, the creator of the Fantasy Role Playing Game (FRPG) ‘Dungeons and Dragons‘ (D&D) (owned by WotC) has passed away today. This is a sad day for gamers all around the world.

I met Gary at a Gen Con that I went to for the release of 3rd Edition with the guys and had hims sign my 3.0 Players Handbook.

So long, Gary. We, gamers from around the world, thank you for you vision and dream.

Here is a little background on the following little story: At the time I was separating with my then ‘wife’, starting a new job, and starting my first year in college, after having left the military. I was close to both my grandparents who lived close to our family and who I never saw often enough in my busy life. I am writing this in far retrospect, so take this for what it is worth. I am going write what I spoke at my Grandfather’s funeral in 1999 amidst the tears I stumbled out something like this:.

When I was young I made a promise as many grandsons are wont to do for their grandparents who love them and care for them so very much. I promised something that may seem a little strange to you now, but at that age anything seemingly big and responsible is cool to our green ears. At something like 10 years of age I promised my grandfather and my grandmother that I would read their favorite Psalm, the 23 Psalm, at their funeral.

I was so very young and being as such I had no real concept of time or even of death. My grandparents have been alive longer than I and even longer than my parents, and a far as this little kid is concerned they always will be. This was the sort of promise that I never really expected to have to fulfill, for it seems like they will live forever as my eternal grandparents – old and wise. So, now I have the misfortunate pleasure to read to you today the 23 Psalm:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Thank you.