Earlier today Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons and father of RPGs died of heart failure, he is survived by many sons, grandsons and legions of adoring fans, he was 69.

Today the world lost a great man, he was responsible for the birth of RPGs, from DnD to the latest Final Fantasy or Tales game. MMORPGs would not be if it were not for the boundless imagination of Gary Gygax. He was a kind man who loved games and loved what people made of games and even more, what games made of people.

“It really meant a lot to him to hear from people from over the years about how he helped them become a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, what he gave them,” His wife, Gail Gygax said. “He really enjoyed that.”

It would be an understatement to say that he has been an influence in our lives, this man is an cultural icon who’s touched millions of lives. His passion for games is something that now more than ever should inspire us to pursue our own passions. On the subject of death he once said:

“I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else.”

And that we will good sir, and that we will. I will be playing some RPGs this following days in his honor. Let us celebrate the fruits of his passion, this true god of gaming shows us that even deities sometimes fail a saving roll. Rest in peace Gary, we geeks of the world salute you!

[Star Tribune]