R.I.P. Dave Arneson (was: Dave Arneson health note)

[harami2000]

Trust y'all don't mind me posting this link here rather than in "General".
It was, after all, Dave who took Gary Gygax on a tour of his new game back in late-1971/1972 which is why this is all here, one way or another. (Blackmoor also being where the whole idea of adventuring in "dungeons" originated, as well as the first campaign setting...).

=> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Arneson

Regards,
David.

============

edit/update: It was initially updated incorrectly elsewhere on the web that Dave had died, but has since been confirmed afresh by family members that he passed away soon after being taken to the hospice.
R.I.P. Mr. Arneson.

Shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, April 7th, Dave Arneson passed away. He was comfortable and with family at the time and his passing was peaceful.

The Arneson family would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few days, and for the support the entire community has shown Dave over the years.

We are in the process of making final arrangements and will provide additional details as we work them out. We will continue to receive cards and letters in Dave's honor. We are planning to hold a public visitation so that anyone wishing to say their goodbye in person has the opportunity to do so.

Cards and letters can continue to be sent:
Dave Arneson
1043 Grand Avenue
Box #257
St. Paul, MN
55105

Visitation will be on April 20th
Time: yet to be determined
Address:
Bradshaw Funeral Home
687 Snelling Avenue South
St. Paul, MN 55105

[bosssmiley]

Those who know enough to care probably already know.

edit: Yeah, that was probably a little curt of me. Sorry for that.

Wishing the best for Mr Arneson and his poor family right now.

"Ok, Agents Gygax, Arneson and Bledsaw. You go down to the planet below us and show the Earthlets the secret wisdom their primitive society obviously needs. We'll be back to pick you up before it all goes kablooey in 2012." (pace Bill Hicks on Hendrix)

[Ethdred]

Those who know enough to care probably already know.

Well I care, and I didn't know already, so thanks for the heads-up.

I never want to get into the whole 'who really invented D&D' argument, because I don't think we can really judge at this distance, but I've always seen it as a joint thing and Dave never seemed to get as much credit as EGG. I didn't even realise he had cancer. Not a lot I can do about it sat in front of a computer, but puts my current cold into perspective....

[kjones]

Damn, and it's only been a year since Gary died.

Too good for this sinful Earth, I guess...

[Another_Poet]

That's terrible news. Anyone know what kind of cancer he has?

ap

[harami2000]

Those who know enough to care probably already know.

edit: Yeah, that was probably a little curt of me. Sorry for that.

Thanks for the edit. Well, not that many knew the details, I expect, but of those who did the majority were under the impression that things were holding for now rather than that sudden turn for the worse, since Dave had been fairly active around-and-about the fora until a couple of weeks ago. But then, the same went for Gary back last year. :/

I never want to get into the whole 'who really invented D&D' argument, because I don't think we can really judge at this distance, but I've always seen it as a joint thing and Dave never seemed to get as much credit as EGG.

*nods*. Neither the time nor place for that "debate" although it's safe to say that a large number of people were involved in getting the hobby on its feet in one way or another, many of whom got "raw deals" and the majority of whom are pretty much "forgotten about", sadly. (Where is our "Who's who?"/"history"...?). Dave is definitely a central figure to all that, though, and politics or no politics we're all equal in the end, eh?

I didn't even realise he had cancer. Not a lot I can do about it sat in front of a computer, but puts my current cold into perspective....

Mhmm... similar feelings here.

Anyhow; one more update copied over from the other board and should anyone wish to act on that, please feel free.
Bob Meyers (another of the original Blackmoor participants) who's in touch with Dave and his family left the following message just now.

Thank you for all of your messages of sympathy and support. It has been decided that the forum is a good way for everyone to support David and his family, and allow everyone to express their feelings while respecting his privacy. The family and I will be monitoring the postings, and they will share them with David as they are able to do so.

Seems sensible to be monitoring just that one board specifically, I guess...

Best wishes,
David.

[Atamasama]

Thanks for the news. First I heard of it and I really do care.

First Gary, then Dave... It's sad, but I hope that both of them have realized how much joy their creation has brought to so many people over the years.

[hamishspence]

I wonder if there will be an Arneson OOTS tribute strip like the Gygax one? Probably not, since Gygax was much better known. Still, would be nice.

[Atamasama]

Dave did pass away today, just in case anyone didn't catch it.

[Saint Nil]

[arguskos]

Rest in Peace Dave Arneson, may you and Gary roll 3d6 forever in peace.

[harami2000]

Dave did pass away today, just in case anyone didn't catch it.

The earlier "reliable source" was apparently relying on false information (see http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2009/...l-with-us.html ).
His family has just posted the following on http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi...8&page=1#28367 to clarify the current situation.

As of this writing, Dave is still with us. We have moved him into a facility where we can focus on keeping him comfortable. We have been and will continue to watch the forums and blogs and are passing along everyone's thoughts and prayers. Right now our focus is on getting Dave into the best possible position to maintain his comfort and his dignity. We will update the community as we can. We want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers and ask that you continue to send Dave your support in whatever form that means to you.

An address has been established to receive messages to Dave.

Dave Arneson
1043 Grand Avenue
Box #257
St. Paul, MN
55105

Please feel free to send and/or post on the previously-noted thread over there as the best way to pass on any messages, should you wish (+thx to Atama', above, and one other from here).

d.

[Roderick_BR]

Damn, that sucks majorly

[bosssmiley]

Eastertide. Not the first time that kind of thing has caught people out.

[harami2000]

Eastertide. Not the first time that kind of thing has caught people out.

Well, wasn't much longer as things turned out, and sadly no mistake this time as was sourced directly from the family...

http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2009/...-accurate.html

I just received an email directly from Dave Arneson's family, who asked me to share the following:

Shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, April 7th, Dave Arneson passed away. He was comfortable and with family at the time and his passing was peaceful.

The Arneson family would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few days, and for the support the entire community has shown Dave over the years.

We are in the process of making final arrangements and will provide additional details as we work them out. We will continue to receive cards and letters in Dave's honor. We are planning to hold a public visitation so that anyone wishing to say their goodbye in person has the opportunity to do so.

Cards and letters can continue to be sent:
Dave Arneson
1043 Grand Avenue
Box #257
St. Paul, MN
55105

Visitation will be on April 20th
Time: yet to be determined
Address:
Bradshaw Funeral Home
687 Snelling Avenue South
St. Paul, MN 55105

Farewell, Mr Arneson; you will be missed. I hope that, at the very least, yesterday's outpouring of affection for you and your contributions to our hobby cheered you in your final hours. You were one of a kind.

Rest in peace, Dave...

[Shadowbane]

Rest in peace, Dave. Thanks for Blackmoor and all you did.

[Thurbane]

I hadn't heard this, very sad news indeed.

My condolences to his family and friends. He was truly one of the legends of the RPG industry.

[The Giant]

I wonder if there will be an Arneson OOTS tribute strip like the Gygax one? Probably not, since Gygax was much better known. Still, would be nice.

I'm thinking about it; if I get an idea tonight or tomorrow, I may do one, whether people know who he is or not. I already put up a News announcement.

[Matthew]

That would be fitting, I think. It has been a sad last few hours.

[arguskos]

Rest in Peace Dave Arneson, may you and Gary roll 3d6 forever in peace.

Now, it really applies! Good bye Dave. You helped inspire us all.

[Wizzardman]

Now, it really applies! Good bye Dave. You helped inspire us all.

Right. I see no reason not to turn this into a "Goodbye Dave" thread, so, unless someone stops me, I think I shall do so.

Goodbye, Dave. You really gave us something special. Wherever you are now, I hope you know how much we appreciate what you've given us.

[harami2000]

I'm thinking about it; if I get an idea tonight or tomorrow, I may do one, whether people know who he is or not. I already put up a News announcement.

Thank you for that, Richard, for that announcement and for your consideration as to any further tribute, whether that's workable or not.
As you and Matthew both noted, it has been yet another sad time for our hobby and thoughts with those who have lost loved ones who contributed greatly to that, whether well known or not. (And it's not even just been Dave, alone, in the past 24 hours).
Too many names barely known at all, IMHO, even within the RPG and wargaming communities far less to the public media.

Have been updating Dave's Wikipedia page quite a bit over the past couple of days and still more to do on that (would've been better done sooner, but tribute of a sort I guess... :? ). Maybe I could even make a point to schedule in a game of "Adventures in Fantasy". Heck, once in a lifetime... why not?

Kind regards & Best wishes,
David.

[harami2000]

Right. I see no reason not to turn this into a "Goodbye Dave" thread, so, unless someone stops me, I think I shall do so.

Seems fitting, thanks... Thread title changed.

[Dacia Brabant]

Wow, I didn't even know he was seriously ill, so this is sad news indeed, and only 61 too. I wish Mr. Arneson's family well and may he rest in peace.

[RandomFellow]

Well..this is depressing.

The people related to my hobbies seem to be dropping like flies lately.

Robert Jordan, Gary Gygax, and now Dave.

[SoD]

Geez...now I feel awful. Again. I'm feeling bad that I didn't even know who he was until I read the thread, which makes me feel bad that I feel bad about that, possibly more than I do about his passing, which I do feel bad about...well...not much I can really say. I hope he and Gygax are already thinking up an idea for a co-dm'ed game.

[Killer Angel]

Rest in Peace Dave Arneson, may you and Gary roll 3d6 forever in peace.

I like to think that Gygax needed some help to teach angels how to play properly a non-paladin character.
Indeed, its' a sad day, my eyes are glistening with tears.

[Vargtass]

Rest in peace, Dave Arneson. Thanks for the inspiration and your creativity. We're indepted, and now at a loss.

[vegetalss4]

goodbye Dave.
I hadn't heard about you before just now, But now i know that i owe you a good deal of my happy times.
rest in peace

[lesser_minion]

This is pretty terrible news.

Goodbye Dave, you will be missed.