Dave Arneson's Health Takes Final Turn

jamesmishler · Post by **jamesmishler** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:02 pm

This is from Finarvyn on the Original D&D Discussion board (4/5/9 at 12:06 PM CST):

Quote:
I got this message yesterday from Bob (Robert the Bald) Meyers regarding the health of Dave Arneson. As everyone knows, Dave is co-creator of our favorite hobby game and has been a frequent poster here.

This one came in today. Bobs original plan was to hold off on an announcement, but I convinced him that it would be nice to get the information out right away. My hope is that Bob can track down an address so folks here can send cards and flowers to demonstrate to Dave just what he has meant to our community.

Clearly, this is devastating to Daves family as well as his gaming friends. Updates will be posted here as I get them.

A terrible loss for our industry. I never had the opportunity to really get to know Dave, but every time I met him at a show he was always kind and showed an obvious love for games and an appreciation of his fans. He will be missed.
NOTE: Dave's family has expressed the wish that he not be disturbed at the hospital, and that their privacy be respected during this trying time. Please do NOT make any attempts to contact Dave or his family!!!
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cinderblock · Post by **cinderblock** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:02 pm

Very sad news indeed

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:03 pm

Another incredibly creative mind prepares to leave us.

So long Dave. Thanks for everything.
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Benoist · Post by **Benoist** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:44 pm

I learned of it as it made it through the OD&D discussion board.

Thoughts and Prayers are with Dave and family. Let's hope he defies the odds.
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Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:49 pm

Sad news indeed! I met Mr. Arneson at the last Gen Con in Milwaukee (2003?). I was lucky enough to have a small chat with him there, a very nice guy!

I pray for him and his family!
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:16 pm

I hope Dave defies the odds. Good luck, sir.

Hrolfgar · Post by **Hrolfgar** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:28 pm

Hope he beat the odds too.

I only talked with him briefly once at a Gencon, seems like a nice person.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 10:14 pm

Aw, man....this is terrible. I knew, sadly, that the day woud come that the icons would no longer be with us but, damn, it doesn't make it any easier.

You'll be in my thoughts, Mr. Arneson.
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csperkins1970 · Post by **csperkins1970** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 10:45 pm

Sad to see another one of the greats laid low.

I just hope that his family takes some solace in the joy that his work brought to others.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:59 pm

Prayers and blessings with you good man.

-O
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jamesmishler · Post by **jamesmishler** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 12:37 am

NOTE: Dave's family has expressed the wish that he not be disturbed at the hospital, and that their privacy be respected during this trying time. Please do NOT make any attempts to contact Dave or his family!!!
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:02 am

Time is a knife that whittles even the strongest statue -- it shapes us into beautiful things and erodes us back to nothing. Dave gave each one of us a special treasure, and we should hold that close.

Thank you for giving us all a dream and letting us play in yours.
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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:51 am

He drank deep of the Mead of Inspiration and shared with us what he saw.

My house raises our horn to a man of worthful deeds.

Maliki · Post by **Maliki** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:07 pm

Sad news indeed.
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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:20 pm

This is very sad news. I only met Dave once or twice, but regardless, he was a pillar of the early days and an inspiration for us all.

Gods speed.

Steve
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Julian Grimm · Post by **Julian Grimm** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:59 pm

Sad news for us but the ultimate adventure for Dave. May his family be comforted as he goes into God's graces.
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Aladar · Post by **Aladar** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:50 pm

Sad news indeed. Another of the great elders prepares to leaves us.

I and my house raise a cup to him. Our silent prayers go out to him and his family.

Let a place of honor be preparred in Odin's hall!
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yell0w_lantern · Post by **yell0w_lantern** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:42 pm

Well, that stinks.

tylermo · Post by **tylermo** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:20 pm

Sad news, indeed. I remember hearing that his health was declining last year(?). He was dealing with health issues back in 07 or 06 at least. All of that said, I met him a few times at GenCon. I had him sign the late 70's AD&D hardcovers. He was a true gentlemen. Another friend of mine met him at GC 07. He was in a wheel chair, and wasn't terribly keen on taking a picture, but he gave my buddy an autographed card with his picture on it. Dave even spoke at GC 08 before we all went into the dealer's room. Seems like I heard an interview on the Dragon Page Radio Show in which Dave talked about his contributions to D&D, but I can't remember much about it. Maybe hit points, or a couple of other key mechanics. I may be remembering incorrectly, and am not trying to open old D&D wounds. Suffice it to say, Dave was one of the early rpg pioneers. He will be sorely missed. Damned cancer. It's taken a few of my rpg friends' parents in the last ten years.

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:16 pm

I read that Mr. Arneson passed away (posted by JamesM, #36). You will be missed sir.

Link:
http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi?bo ... 020&page=3

Julian Grimm · Post by **Julian Grimm** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:01 pm

May you enjoy your new life in eternity.
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Pat Payne · Post by **Pat Payne** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:18 pm

Reports of his death are apparently somewhat exxagerated at this moment...
http://blog.retroroleplaying.com/2009/0 ... death.html

csperkins1970 · Post by **csperkins1970** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:16 pm

I just picked up some Blackmoor adventures (DA1 and DA2) in his honor.

I hope that Dave and Gary reconcile in the Great Beyond and start an amazing OD&D campaign!

slimykuotoan · Post by **slimykuotoan** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:46 pm

This' horrible to hear. Best wishes to Mr. Arneson and friends...
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Kayolan · Post by **Kayolan** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:57 pm

Terrible news and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.

God bless you Mr. Arneson.

(I must say, DA2 is one of my favorite modules.)

Pat Payne · Post by **Pat Payne** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:15 am

Seriously. He's not dead yet. The death announcement was a mistake. Rob Kuntz just posted on his blog an address to send him cards and made a point of mentioning that he's still alive.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:37 am

I read this, too:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/vi ... ve-Arneson
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Julian Grimm · Post by **Julian Grimm** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:15 am

Yeah I just now saw that.
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