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Gary Gygax Obituary
He had been suffering from health problems for several years, including an abdominal aneurysm, said his wife, Gail Gygax.
Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons in 1974 using medieval characters and mythical creatures. The game known for its oddly shaped dice became a hit, particularly among teenage boys, and eventually was turned into video games, books and movies.
Gygax always enjoyed hearing from the game's legion of devoted fans, many of whom would stop by the family's home in Lake Geneva, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) southwest of Milwaukee, his wife said. Despite his declining health, he hosted weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons as recently as January, she said.
"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," Gail Gygax said. "He really enjoyed that."
Dungeons & Dragons players create fictional characters and carry out their adventures with the help of complicated rules. The quintessential nerd pastime, it spawned a wealth of copycat games and later inspired a whole genre of computer games that is still growing in popularity.
Born Ernest Gary Gygax, he grew up in Chicago and moved to Lake Geneva at the age of 8. Gygax's father, a Swiss immigrant who played violin in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, read fantasy books to his only son and hooked him on the genre, Gail Gygax said.
Gygax dropped out of high school but took anthropology classes at the University of Chicago for a while, she said. He was working as an insurance underwriter in the 1960s, when he began playing war-themed board games.
But Gygax wanted to create a game that involved more fantasy. To free up time to work on that, he left the insurance business and became a shoe repairman, she said.
Gygax also was a prolific writer and wrote dozens of fantasy books, including the Greyhawk series of adventure novels.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Besides his wife, Gygax is survived by six children.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
81 Entries
russell register
January 19, 2022
Your game changed my life and I want to say thank you!!! Dungeons and Dragons player since 1977.
Hack and Slash rules. God bless you and your family always.
russell register "Elvenlord Buliwyf Hygilac
Geoff Heart of the Griffin."
Paul Smith
March 2, 2019
I never met you, but have enjoyed many decades of RPGs thanks to your inspiration. Would love to pay my respects to your final resting place.
William Gilreath
March 17, 2012
Gary Gygax was a true inspiration, and I only regret I never had a chance to meet him in person. With respect, I have written two quatrains...
Quatrains in Requiem of the Dungeon Master--Gary Gygax
The greatest gamer have gone to the ultimate tournament with death's kiss,
leaving the world a bit brighter, but without him we shall be sorely miss.
Gary Gygax was a master creating a world of fantasy, imagination, and fun,
his imagination soared to write games, peoples, and places second to none.
I tip my hat with respect, and for a little bit in complete awe and whelm,
for the maker that opened the door for many including me into a new realm.
The Earth would be a different place without joy of adventure and forlorn.
To the Gygax family I give my heartfelt condolences in this time to mourn.
Requiscat in Pace
John Weltner
March 12, 2010
Mr. Gary Gygax was an inspiration and even a mentor of sorts for myself and many of my friends and will continue to live on in our memories. His games gave us the ability to better express ourselves and kept the larger part of us out of trouble throughout the years.
How you can show support
March 7, 2010
For Gary...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Bryan
October 28, 2009
Thank you. Always a fan.
Martin Cooke
August 9, 2009
I know this is late, sorry but I had no idea that this site existed and I really wanted to say something.
I had a problem with numbers as a kid. I coudn't tell the time until I was 11. The whole concept of numeracy was difficult for me. I suspect I may have Dyscalculia, though no one ever suggested this. I was just treated as dumb at school and put in "special classes" to try and help me. Then I discovered D&D. With the dice, stats and odds in the game, numbers became interesting and fun, not intimidating and scary. My work started to improve.
I will never be a maths genius but I can function in daily life now, thanks to Mr Gygax and his wonderful game.
I still play RPG's over 30 years later and have met many friends through the hobby.
I just wanted to say thank you to Mr Gygax for making such a big difference to my life.
J. Coleen Kelly
March 14, 2008
Kindest Regards to the Gygax family. His vision & memory will live so long as there are gamers; & I know there will always be gamers.
I learned honor, fair play & how to speak out....D&D saved many of us who would have otherwise given in to our lives dispair. I have rped for for 27 years in one form or another, & will for as long as I find others who play.
He touched so many lives, his magic will always live on.
Doug Shepherd
March 12, 2008
My thoughts and Prayers goes out to the Gygax family and Gary Gygax will be sadly missed but his dreams and thoughts of Dungeons & Dragons will always live on we love you Gary... From the Shepherd Family
Darlene Odell
March 10, 2008
Gary caused an awakening in my son many years ago....he remains a gamer to this day, met his wife through the fellowship and is teaching his oldest son in the genre. Recently we entered into the business directly by becoming owners of a small game shop so I know he will continue to enjoy the world of gaming. It is an integral part of his life.
Doug Odell
March 10, 2008
I have been crying for days. Only once have I ever been more torn up by the death of someone, and that was the loss of my Dad. My Dad bought me the Dungeon board game when I was 10, because it was like something some of his highschool students played in his class room after school. That was my start into a world that dominates my life to this very day. Since I started gaiming, no more tham a week, has ever gone by without my playing or running some kind of RPG. I have other pleasures, other succeses, being a father and a husband rank highest among them, but I have also just achieved a long standing ambition in owning my own game store. All of this, all of these things have happened because of Gary's influance on me. I got to meet him at GenCon in 87 and again in 93. He will be greatly missed.
Doug Odell
Bremerton, Washington
James Hudson
March 10, 2008
Gail - Please accept my condolences, along with those of the rest of Gary's fans. Sadly, I never crossed paths with your husband, but I've been playing his game for over 25 years and it never fails to bring me pleasure. I'm deeply grateful to him for sharing his idea with the world, and to you for supporting him. Gary's work left an impact on an entire generation. He became an icon of sorts to us, and the world is definitely a better place because of his gift to us. I hope this time of grief passes quickly for you and the Gygax family.
Gary and Melany Philpot
March 9, 2008
Thank you for showing us that it's okay for us to have fantansies and watch them take shape on paper and in the fantasies game world that was created through your amazing insight. We say good bye to the one great Dungeon Master. Goodbye
Sandra van de Mortel
March 9, 2008
Thank you for following your dreams and creating new ones.
You will be remembered.
Good journey, Gary Gygax.
Melissa Emmons
March 8, 2008
A heartfelt thanks to Gary and his family for sharing himself with the world. His creation has brought so much joy and love to the world: The family that games together, stays together. I've been gaming for 20+ years now, and first met my later-to-be husband at a role-playing game, although I had no idea at the time. More than 15 years later, we still game together, and if we ever have children, we will be teaching them to game, too.
If everybody cooperated and collaborated together as friends do in games, the world would be a wonderful place. Thanks for all the love and friendships you've brought to my life, and to the lives of so many. I hope that you, his family, will continue to feel those bonds of love for many years to come.
Ken
March 8, 2008
Every time I go to the bookstore, I walk down an entire aisle of novels on Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, every one of those books inspired by the work of Gary. What a legacy. The Egyptians said, "To speak the name of the dead is to let them live again." Gary will live forever.
Sheila Wilson Jascemskas
March 8, 2008
My prayers for the family.
He had a positive effect on people. Thanks for sharing him
Thanks for keeping my buisness profits up.
Harry Simpson
March 7, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Sonya Crosby
March 7, 2008
Thank you for the fond memories you gave to me, my friends, and my family. You shaped our world in a way you'll never know and I'm forever greatful for it. Thank you.
John M.
March 7, 2008
Gary, you truly changed my life. I didn't really start reading until I started playing D&D, and once I did start playing I didn't stop until fairly recently. Even after I stopped playing my love of D&D style computer and video games, as well as my love of reading, lives on. Gary, may your time in the Summerland be populated with 20-sided dice, critical hits, and the Dungeon Master's discretion. My thoughts and prayers to his family as well.
Joseph Padilla
March 7, 2008
my prayers go out to the family . His legacy will continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.
tarin
March 7, 2008
A god amongst us mere mortals. He will live forever in the hearts of every gamer. Dungeons and Dragons IS the pinicle of human civilization and will never be pushed into obsquirity. I hope to see you in Galhalla.
-tarin
Boe Bowen
March 7, 2008
Dear Gary,
Thank you for the game that created a lifetime of friendships. The Lords of Wrath from Tampa Bay salute you! We will see you on the next plane when our time comes.
Keep rolling . . .
jessica Huckins
March 7, 2008
Thanks for all the good memories, If it wasnt for your game I would have never met my husband. May all your rolls be perfect 20's
Ayan basu
March 6, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Moyra Herbert
March 6, 2008
Thank You Gary for the many years of fun and excitement you gave to me, and my 3 sons. I saw a story about this new game College students were playing and knew immeditaty my sons would love it. bought the books for them at Christmas and we were off !! Our Dinning room table saw many battles and adventures. We spent quality time together, as Rouges, Warriors, Clerics, and Thieves.
Thank you so much.
Warm thoughts for your family
Moyra
Jeffrey Kelby
March 6, 2008
Since 1984 Gary provided a medium where my brothers and I could engage in hours of entertainment playing Dungeons & Dragons. It united my family where it is doubtful that we would have any interests which coincide. It had granted us memories that we still talk about to this day. My fondest memories of childhood are of playing the game, enjoying time spent with my family.
Your memory will live forever Gary, thank you. RIP.
Dennis Copp II
March 6, 2008
Thank you for brining us into your world of wizards and rouges, your lands of magic and lore will forever color our lives. Though you are no longer with us, you will live on within us as we travel thru the lands you have made for us. Your memory will forever live on in the great arcana of existence. I thank you for bringing us into your dreams and making ours real.
Matt Wilson
March 6, 2008
Thank you Gary, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were a pioneer. An inspiration, and above all a friend. To billions of people around the world.
Your game brought alot to me personally. One of which is my re-kindled love for fantasy. D&D not only helped me get back that spark. But it introduced me in to the women I love. And in a way.... It saved me from going down a road I shudder to even think of.
You will be missed by billions Gary, I know I'm just a voice amongst them. But I can at least give my thanks and appreciation.
Thank you Gary Gygax, thamk you for all you have done.
James Gehm III
March 6, 2008
Gary what can we say to make your passing worth what you have left us with, we could of course go into your accomplisments and works. The fact you brought the past time of D&D which spawned the geekdom that is today, making it ok to be a geek. We could go into the fact that your works have caused many long hours and mountain dew filled nights around the table.
I only feel sorry I never got to play a session with you, and that during one of the many sessions played we didn't honor you with a word or two, but I feel the fact we were playing would of been enough of a nod to you.
Daniel Layman
March 6, 2008
Words cannot express the level of respect gamers hold for you. It was truly a sad day when our king died. Rest in peace my friend.
Eric Leigh
March 6, 2008
Hes accomplished what every human in the world aspires to be, remember by people whome he never met yet definately influenced. Hes now in the company of a dwindleing number of people in eras past who have become immortal in the eyes of a few. Wether we knew him or not and his "character" aside he deserves respect as a man who reached for the stars , and made it. May all the worlds locked away in the human imagination be unlocked for him now. Farewell great friend i never knew.
Al Beddow
March 6, 2008
Gary and Gail, I enjoyed our email exchange when trying to bring Gary in as GoH for Incon 2001 and wish I had gotten to meet in person. I've played D&D since '81 and have a hobby that is a huge part of my life thanks to you. Godspeed. You already are missed.
Tamara Mitchell
March 6, 2008
Thank GOD for Fantacies. Yours are fab . Thanks for D & D. and with all those that have followed WOW !!!!!!
We all will miss you so very much. The world of games sure has changenfrom the very first one hasnt it ? They will keep on changing forever and ever but we all will remember and never forget D&D and of cource Pac Man LOL.........
Eva Whitley
March 6, 2008
I never played D&D but so many people I love enjoy (and love) it. So, thank you for bringing more joy and love to the world.
My late husband used to brag he knew you "back in the day" and was one of the few times he managed to impress his teen-age son.
Ron Barbour II
March 6, 2008
I thank him for the game that spurred my interests in mythology, history, reading, art even martial arts.
It was this game that gave birth to so many others from James Bond, Star Frontiers, Boot Hill, Indiana Jones to magic the gathering.
He may be gone but he will never be forgotten every book, encounter, trap, and orc is a piece of him and the game he loved.
Nanci K
March 6, 2008
Thank you very much
Shawn Backo
March 5, 2008
The world has suffered a great loss. I grew up With D&D most of my young life and into my adult life. I wanted to say thank you for creating D&D and for all the happy memories from it..
Pat Johnson
March 5, 2008
I have the deepest respect for Gary and his admirer.. He will never be forgotten
Ann Faustino
March 5, 2008
Thank you Gary. When I was growing up you provided a place for me to escape to and be someone else. Now that I am a parent, this same place is now somewhere that I share with my child.
chris B
March 5, 2008
A hero to game makers and fantasy writers everywhere. I look forward to seeing you on the other side of the Great Gaming table in the Sky
Erica Warren
March 5, 2008
You will be missed Mr. Gygax.
Picek
March 5, 2008
I'ts sad that great people also must gone.
Let his soul rest in peace.
Marek Lesiewski
March 5, 2008
Whole world mourns for this loss. Polish RPG gamers also... Requiem in Pace Gary.
Scott
March 5, 2008
Thank you for the many great memories of having fun with friends and family during those otherwise difficult formative years and special thanks for bringing my geek score up to nearly dysfunctional levels.
John Eddy
March 5, 2008
Few have brought so much to so many.
Justin Williams
March 5, 2008
Thanks to Mr. Gygax I will always have a place to go in my own mind.
Nick Little
March 5, 2008
Thanks Gary. RIP.
Michael Webster
March 5, 2008
Thank you, Gary! The work you and Dave gave the world has impacted so many lives in so many positive ways.
Until we meet at the Celestial Gaming Table!
Alphonso Lynch
March 5, 2008
From the world of the ordinary to the deepest riches of fantasy, I thank you for hours if not days of escapism and fun. Bess you and your family. Godspeed.
Eric McGonigal
March 5, 2008
I've had great times playing D&D through the years. More importantly I've meet some of the greatest of friends. He will be missed. THE DM has rolled his last d20 on our realm.
A seat waits for thee in the pantheon of the D&D gods. Thank for everything, Mr. Gygax.
George Torres
March 5, 2008
My condolences go out to the Gygax family. His vision gave me a passion for imagination, history, literature, and drama. Dungeons & Dragons has always been an outlet from the madness of daily life. He will be deeply missed.
Super Dave
March 5, 2008
E. Gary Gygax is indirectly responsible for the thousands of hours I've enjoyed myself for the past 20+ years of playing Dungeons and Dragons, sharing stories and BS'ing while drinking hundreds of gallons of Mountain Dew, eating countless pizzas, hoagies, wings, chips, and everything else under the sun during those great gaming sessions. These are all great things, but pale in comparison to the most important reason of all...
Without Gary Gygax, It is quite possible I would have never met the people I've had the pleasure to roll those quirky dice with for the past several years, and in all that time, no matter if the important rolls came up 20's or 1's, I always walked away from the table knowing that the game he created allowed me to meet some of the best friends I have ever known.
Thank you Mr. Gygax. You have achieved the 21st level. No longer do you mingle amongst mortal men. Godspeed.
SD
Huub van Avesaath
March 5, 2008
A pioneer of a frontier where no adventurer fantasized before.
Rest in peace.
Laurie Bernier
March 5, 2008
I want to send my sympathies to Gary's family and hope that as time passes the knowledge of how many people he touched will bring some comfort in this tough time.
As a late follower of D&D I enjoy the time, and fellowship of my family and friends. My husband has brought me into the Dungeon and now we are bring our boys. They look forward to playing every weekend.
Gary you will be missed by so many, but you will live on as long as there are dice to roll and battles to be fought.
Chuck Pittman
March 5, 2008
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Gygax's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I've enjoyed dnd for over 20 years and now enjoy it with my own sons.
Wanda H
March 5, 2008
Thank you for providing us all with a fun and creative past time. I am grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met playing D&D and, later, on line D&D type games.
Greg Peters
March 4, 2008
Your games opened so many of us to new realms of possibility. Thanks so much for everything.
Javan Vivona
March 4, 2008
Thank you adventurer.
Don Pettyjohn
March 4, 2008
Thank you for the gifts you gave us all. You helped many find an outlet for their creativity and imagination.
My condolences to your family.
Gregory Gangitano
March 4, 2008
Gamers everywhere are saddened by the loss of one of our own. His imagination and creations have helped so many people to whittle away the hours together. Children and adults alike, sitting across the dining room table, with no more technology than a piece of paper, a few funny shaped Dice, and a little bit of storytelling,
I pray that heaven has a spot for Mr Gary Gygax.
Tim Nutting
March 4, 2008
Best wishes and condolences to the family. Gary's work has affected my life greatly and I will always be thankful for his contribution to my favorite entertainment. Here's to new adventures in the great beyond, master of the game!
Darwin Grimm
March 4, 2008
For the one man who encouraged me to shine in my field and to understand what life is. Thank You, Mr. Gygax for making part of my life free.
Brett
March 4, 2008
Mr. Gygax, you were an inspiration to us all. You have been persionally responsible for millions of people's success stories, and you have given me a much-needed, however brief, escape from the toils of reality. You were a brilliant man, and will be dearly missed. Your ideas and works have transcended language and culture, spreading across the globe and uniting the world in one global brotherhood. You are the unsung hero of nerds everywhere... Rest easy, Sir Gygax, and may you find true happiness in the afterlife, whatever may lie there.
Greg McLaughlin
March 4, 2008
Thank you for teaching a generation that it was OK to be smart and not good at sports. And that imagination is not only a good thing, but maybe the best thing. Rest in Peace and our prayers to your family.
Elijah Blake
March 4, 2008
See you at that great gaming table in the sky Mr. Gygax.
Gary Gygax is dead. Long live Gary Gygax.
James H
March 4, 2008
Gary, I grew up playing D&D and it was one of the joys of my childhood. I hope to share those joys with my children when they are old enough. God bless you and your family.
Steve Woods
March 4, 2008
Thank you for all you have given me through your works. I know you have left a lasting mark that will be shared for generations to come.
Walker FitzRoy
March 4, 2008
Gary brought a lot of people together and will be missed.
Brian West
March 4, 2008
Good night sweet Prince
JT Wright
March 4, 2008
Thank you for everything. As long as there are people who still enjoy playing pen and paper games, you will be remembered. Good night, sweet prince.
Ed
March 4, 2008
I have to say I was sad to learn of Mr.Gygax's passing today... D&D held a special place in my life and heart and I met many good friends at the gaming table... All possible through the wonderous game he created! May you rest in peace as you travel to the next level!
Ed Nixon
March 4, 2008
He made my time in the military bearable! He'll be missed!
Kristine Wagner
March 4, 2008
I am really sorry to hear about Gary. I had a great time Roll Playing at his house on Thursday nights. He will be missed!
Matthew Peters
March 4, 2008
Rest in Peace Mr. Gygax. You added a lot of light to my youth.
Jeanne B
March 4, 2008
Gary, thank you for your gifts to the gaming and fantasy worlds! You have made your mark, and played well. Godspeed.
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