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David Trampier
CARBONDALE -- David Trampier, 59, died at 10:58 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2014, in Helia Healthcare.
Arrangements are incomplete at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale.
This obituary was originally published in TheSouthern.
Arrangements are incomplete at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale.
This obituary was originally published in TheSouthern.
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by TheSouthern on Mar. 25, 2014.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
GUEST BOOK
100 Entries
My heart goes out to the family, I was looking up childhood friends, anDave was one of the best memories. RIP
Toni Head
Neighbor
August 25, 2020
I hope this last adventure is a grand one. Thank you for your contributions as an artist. I admired your work and enjoyed the spark of imagination to my campaigns. Rest in peace. My condolences to your family.
George Marsinko,
Friend
July 29, 2020
So many images from Dungeons and Dragons were engraved in my imagination by your pen. As a Dungeon Master, you inspired me to create adventures which gave my players (and me) literally thousands of hours of enjoyment. You have carved a legacy in the realms of imagination and fantasy gaming which will last forever.
Paul Shaderowfsky, MD
Coworker
July 28, 2020
Oh shucks, I'm late again, by three days. Happy Belated Birthday, little brother. Recently I photographed some of your creations which I have, and shared the photos with Barry, Jason's brother. Meanwhile, I hope you and Jason had a great reunion and are enjoying playing lots of Risk and Titan in the Sky.
Kathleen Schalk
Sister
April 25, 2020
As always at this time of year, I think about your work and read some Wormy comics to take my mind off things. Thanks Dave for leaving your work behind for all of us.
Reifyn
Friend
April 23, 2020
Your images helped shape me into the adult I became.
Joel McCoy
Acquaintance
November 3, 2019
David, your legacy of art inspires me. To leave a body of work that will be loved forever is something I aspire to. You changed my world. Rest easy.
Susan Woodliffe
September 22, 2019
Your artwork will be forever linked to my my best and most favorite memories. Be at peace.
Frank Rozum
March 16, 2019
I carry around your Salamander art on my arm, a permanent tribute to an artist who's work inspired my youthful fantasies. I hope that somehow you know how much you meant to so many, and that your work lives on in fan groups and discussions and always will!
Ken Holst
Friend
March 15, 2019
You are greatly missed. Your work is loved by many people.
March 15, 2019
Paul Mead
Friend
October 12, 2018
It's Tramp Time -- One more cycle has passed. During the hours of this day, we can consider the ways your art and imagination influenced and entertained two or three generations ...maybe four if you include that of our parents. I hope, wherever you are, that you're able to learn and create. Having those capabilities would make you happy! How many more Wormy adventures you could hatch...and we all would love to read them...along with everywhere else your ingenuity and originality will have meandered over these intervening years! Miss you, my brother.
Kathleen Schalk
April 25, 2018
At least once a year I post some of David's work on various social networks to do my part and put him in people's brains. To remind those of us who remember his art, and introduce those who haven't seen it yet.
Jason Stephenson
April 25, 2018
Here's Tramp Day once again. We'll always remember you & the fabulous work you shared with the world. Thank you, from a friend you haven't met.
Reifyn
Friend
April 24, 2018
While never having met you I sure knew of you from your work. I believe it was an Egyptian saying that a man never really dies when his name is spoken and remembered.
David's work has touched the lives of so many in the gaming community that he does live on in the hearts of many.
David's work has touched the lives of so many in the gaming community that he does live on in the hearts of many.
Joseph Keenan
December 10, 2017
David, thank you so much for what you gave us all. Like so many others, your drawings helped define not only my childhood but my appreciation for art as well. Hours upon hours spent staring at your illustration on the back of the DM's screen has forever embedded those images in my brain and soul. I still find your art the most evocative, the most powerful and the most creative of all the 'game art' that has come since. And in fact, your art has always transcended genre and just been plain great. Perhaps it is selfish of me to wish you had continued to create such masterpieces, so I will be satisfied with what you did create, and cherish it always. Thank you.
James Binnie
October 26, 2017
Dave, your art added joy to some of the best times of my life. "Wormy," the TITAN counters, those countless illustrations in the D&D manuals -- all are wonderful, and I am sad that you are no longer with us.
Thanks, and rest well.
Thanks, and rest well.
Phillip Birmingham
October 10, 2017
David Trampier was a huge influence on me as an young artist in the 80s and continues to be as I write this message at the age of 46. I can't tell you how often I dig into my old D&D archives to figure out how DAT would draw it--people, trees, water, fur, clouds, stone, etc. He defined an entire imaginary world and I introduce my students to his work every semester. My condolences to family, friends, and fans.
Jeff Beebe
September 22, 2017
He was a great talent. My brother and friends and I used to comb the early D&D books comparing art from DIS and DAT (I imagine they thought it was quite the joke). I had no idea that he was also the brilliant mind behind Wormy. Wormy and Phil and Dixie were my favorite thing about Dragon magazine. I wish he were still here, illustrating my imagination.
Peter Gardner
September 8, 2017
Ah, thank you for your interesting, wise and comforting words, Reifyn. And Dave, my little bro, you already know I thought of you so many times yesterday, and sent wishes and nostalgic thoughts & smiles your way. I should have written here too. Knowing you had begun to look favorably upon, and actually were working on more of your art; I feel in one way better and in another, sadder at your leaving this earth. Especially so early. And especially just then.
But Reifyn is right. Tho some things could go on and on (and we wish they would), everything in our human experience does have an ending, its own unique set of circumstances which describe that ending, and the ripples which are created as a result thereof.
Unlike most human beings, you created worldwide ripples while you were here, and (analogous to Carlos Castaneda's thoughts) you continue to create some ripples after you had to leave. Happy 62d birthday! Give Mom and Dad big hugs for me! Love you, Sweetie. Always did. Always will.
But Reifyn is right. Tho some things could go on and on (and we wish they would), everything in our human experience does have an ending, its own unique set of circumstances which describe that ending, and the ripples which are created as a result thereof.
Unlike most human beings, you created worldwide ripples while you were here, and (analogous to Carlos Castaneda's thoughts) you continue to create some ripples after you had to leave. Happy 62d birthday! Give Mom and Dad big hugs for me! Love you, Sweetie. Always did. Always will.
Kathleen Trampier Schalk
April 23, 2017
Well here I am again another year has moved along, and David's Birthday is here. I was going to go to Carbondale and meet a sculptor there who was also a fan of DAT with a view toward making a statue memorial, but was informed he moved back to NY. But for my part I continue to be influenced by Tramp's work and am now making my own comics, and so have been studying Dave's amazing lettering technique on WORMY. I don't really think that WORMY was left unfinished like some folk feel: it has an ending like everything: it's just a reflection of life really: our stories end when they end, even when they seem to be yet unfinished. Wish I was a character in your story Dave, and as long as I'm around, you'll be a part of mine. Thank you.
Reifyn
April 22, 2017
There's really nothing more to be said. Thank you for sharing your gift and may you rest in peace.
Brian Gillock
October 14, 2016
Thanks, Dave for bringing our imaginations to life in you pages. You were always my favorite part of Dragaon magazine, and Wormy showed a complexity, intelligence, subtlety, and independence that I have no doubt reflected yours. Thanks so much.
Robert Lowery
September 9, 2016
I have admired Mr. Trampier's art since my youth in the early 1980s. Sad to hear the world is without him, even though he gave up art a long time ago. His contribution to my happy memories is significant.
David Insley
July 13, 2016
Just to echo many of the previous sentiments here, David Trampier's art switched my brain on and expanded the world for me. I wouldn't be the person I am now if my childhood hadn't been filled with hours and hours of staring at his incredible creations. Best wishes to his surviving family and friends, and to those of us who remember him.
Jason Stephenson
April 25, 2016
You would have been 62, Dave. The world has lost your talent and imagination, but what you have created is far more than most people on the planet are capable of leaving behind. Happy Birthday, baby brother. Not much left of our immediate family, but we still love each other so much -- and will always love and miss you, and Mom, and Dad!
Kathleen Trampier Schalk
April 23, 2016
Well, it is David's birthday once again...what a year since I last visited this page. A couple weeks ago Ivisited the memorial in Minneapolis for Dave's co-worker, David C. Sutherland III on his birthday and left some roses there. I do hope by the end of this year to visit Carbondale and try and meet some folk who knew Tramp and see if some memorial can be arranged. But as for now, I at least will always remember you on this, Tramp Day.
Reifyn
April 22, 2016
Kathleen Trampier Schalk
February 26, 2016
Thanks for the imagination Dave. Hope you're shooting pool with Wormy in the big game room in the sky.
Adam Waters
February 19, 2016
I so miss mostly playing Pinball or Pool with you as well as your Art and gaming skills, particularly Titan.
Ernie Gygax
June 27, 2015
It's hard to believe a year has gone by...and what a year it has been. I had so hoped to try and create a memorial for Dave, but it's difficult when life gets in the way. However, it is still very much in my mind, and i'm in the midwest now & am hoping to get to Carbondale sometime in the next 9 months. I will not forget this man's amazing work & know that his art & life were and are valid & significant. So Dave Trampier Day is next week & this guestbook will disappear. Hats off to Tramp & his memory.
Reifyn Cyfarwydd
April 17, 2015
Dave, your art opened my mind to a world of adventure and heroism. It allowed me to make and keep friends that have lasted a lifetime. And what else, in all this creation, can be so grand? Thank you Dave.
Edward Stoering
May 29, 2014
Farewell, DAT. Your art was so much a part of my childhood. So sad that we, the gaming world, just missed our chance to show you how much you gave to us, and to give back to you.
Owen Maroney
May 9, 2014
I LOVE D.A.T. drawings! I had hoped he would come back to us some day. It's sad to hear that he passed away. He is a constant inspiration for me as an artist. R.I.P.
Brandon Butler
April 25, 2014
Thank you so much for your thoughts and good wishes on the death of our brother. They have made this exceedingly difficult experience more bearable. It has occurred to me that Dave most likely does not have a headstone or monument. This may be a fitting project for those of us who loved or admired him. If you have ideas about ways to approach this (suggestions on how to determine the best in each phase: design, material(s) creation, funding, location, installation, etc.) please contact me. Thanks,
Kathleen Trampier Schalk
April 24, 2014
You illustrated my imagination. Thank you.
Brian E
April 23, 2014
Happy Birthday, Tramp, wherever you are. This one's for you.
Craig Russell
April 22, 2014
I declare today to be DAVID A. TRAMPIER Day, in honour of his birthday. From all your friends including those you've never met, we're glad you came into this world 60 years ago as you made our lives richer, and sad you had to leave us so soon. I'll take my hat off to you Tramp every 22nd of April till I go on my own final journey. Thank you.
Reifyn
April 22, 2014
Mr. Trampier did indeed define the visual component of something very near and dear to many of us. Seeing his ultra-polished artwork as a youngster really made the possibilities of role-playing come alive for me, and I will be eternally grateful for the part his wonderful visual contributions played in my childhood and my chosen hobby.
Godspeed, sir, and thank you.
Godspeed, sir, and thank you.
Eric Nelson
April 20, 2014
April 20, 2014
David, merci d'avoir inspiré et fait rêver tant de personnes autour du monde.
Ta Liche et ton Pit Fiend du Monster Manual me font encore frissonner d'inquiétude quand je les regarde. Sans parler de ton Rakshasa, si empreint de mystère et de sophistication.
Ton art, si évocatif, ne sera jamais oublié.
Ta Liche et ton Pit Fiend du Monster Manual me font encore frissonner d'inquiétude quand je les regarde. Sans parler de ton Rakshasa, si empreint de mystère et de sophistication.
Ton art, si évocatif, ne sera jamais oublié.
Philip Espi
April 12, 2014
As comments, compliments and musings continue, I want to thank all of you who have made the effort, putting in so much thought and empathy. You are making a terrible occurance easier to bear, all are and will be greatly appreciated. When I have the emotional energy, I shall endeavor to respond to those who have supplied their addresses. On behalf of Dave's family, special thanks is reserved for ViK, the Wormy fan, for sponsoring this Book. Dave's birthday will be here shortly. It has occurred to me that perhaps this occasion may elicit additional entries if left beyond the suggested deadline. Our brother would have been 60 on April 22d, 2014. Sadly, Kathleen
April 11, 2014
Any time I see his artwork, I am inevitably returned to my childhood and D&D. Thank you, kind sir, for your work.
Scott Sigl
April 10, 2014
One of my very favorite artists of all time. He helped introduce fantastical imaginings to so many kids and grownups alike. Thanks for sharing your great talent.
James Hakola
April 10, 2014
David's artwork touched so many of us in ways he probably could have never known. His imagination fired our collective one. Thank you, DAT.
April 9, 2014
Kevin Chenevert
April 9, 2014
I hope that David is now at peace and that his family can also find peace. David brought and continues to bring joy and inspiration to millions. I am saddened to not be able to meet him and to have another shard of my childhood disappear.
Kevin Chenevert
April 9, 2014
So many of your drawings are etched into my subconscious. Your masterful artwork and storytelling are a part of my lifelong love of gaming. Thank you for your gift. God bless you David. Rest in peace.
Darcy Perry
April 9, 2014
My condolences. Though I never knew or met David, he was a part of my childhood through the artwork he did for a game I continue to play today, dungeons & dragons. Rest easy Mr. Trampier, and thank you.
Sean Kelley
April 9, 2014
God bless you, David. You illustrated my childhood fantasies and so enriched my whole life.
Allan MacKenzie-Graham
April 8, 2014
Seriously sad to hear about David's passing. His art has been a real inspiration to me. I'm sorry he didn't do more of it. The world is a poorer place.
Edgar Johnson
April 8, 2014
My condolences to David's family and friends. My thanks goes to David. His artwork set the tone for countless adventures. He will always be thought upon with kindness and reverence.
Giles Kiser
April 8, 2014
An enormously talented artist whose work shaped my formative years as a gamer. You will be missed, Tramp.
Joseph Bloch
April 8, 2014
I am sorry for your loss - David was a great artist and his excellent and iconic work stands out in all the early AD&D books. He brought real character and depth to the fantasy worlds Gygax and others were building.
Edward Scott
April 8, 2014
My condolences to David's family. Mr. Trampier, you are a legend to me. Your art inspired me as a young man and led me to many happy memories gaming with good friends and, now, with my own children. Your art has forged friendships and families. You have positively affected generations. God bless, my friend, and rest well. Though I never had the chance to meet you, I will sorely miss you.
Forrest Aguirre
April 7, 2014
When I was growing up in the 80s, Tramp's art was a big part of my childhood. Everytime I see one of his pictures, it brings me back to those days, and evokes those same feelings and faded memories.
April 7, 2014
Here I was on my way to Carbondale, hoping to meet David & tell him what his work meant to me and the influence he has had on my own drawing, especially his comics work. I hope he knew his work was deeply loved my many people & that we will always remember him. To lose him at this time especially, when I was so close to having been able to express how his flawless technique has inspired me is really sudden & unexpected...like the end of the Wormy comic, where we are left without a definitive ending. But here it is and we have to make the best of it. Goodbye Tramp!
Reifyn
April 4, 2014
A wonderful and talented "little" brother, until one year I came home from college and he had grown six inches in the intervening six months...now he was three inches TALLER than I, his "big" sister! As you can imagine, our "middle" brother and I have a thousand stories about him. Although we're glad to know he had a renewed interest in his art, we are inconsolably sad that our Davey is gone.
April 2, 2014
A fantastic artist with a wonderful realistic gritty style (and a wonderful comic style for his comic strip wormy as well). His works made the early books for AD&D come alive.
David
April 2, 2014
I shall miss the man I never met. His contributions to my childhood (both his art and Titan) are significant.
Mark Brehob
April 1, 2014
A legend and an inspiration to myself and countless others. Thank you for you legacy, Dave, and taking the time to answer the fevered and rambling letter of a young artist looking for advice... even though I'm certain you must have had better things to do with your time. You graciously gave it, and I took it! I still think on it today.
Edward Liberatore
April 1, 2014
R.I.P Dave, fondly remembered.
April 1, 2014
Such an important part of my gaming life growing up, and still some of my favorite D&D art to this day. If only he knew how many of us thought so highly of him.
Immortality through your great work, rest in peace David.
Immortality through your great work, rest in peace David.
Robert Gruber
April 1, 2014
Another Icon has sadly passed. R.I.P. DAT.
April 1, 2014
Loved Tramp's work and always wished I could get a book collecting it all.
Christopher Taylor
April 1, 2014
I never had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Trampier, but he had a profound influence on the shaping of my youth. His passing is a loss to us all and I can only hope that he is finally at peace.
Bob Brinkman
April 1, 2014
Your work has left a deep and lasting impression on my psyche and are by far my favorite of the golden era AD&D illustrators. I hope you found peace before leaving us.
R Bailey
April 1, 2014
David's art made my childhood that much better. He will be missed.
Matt
April 1, 2014
Back in the day, I got into D&D and started reading Dragon Magazine, reading Wormy was as big, and at times an even bigger draw to learn the game. The realization of such a quirky, wonderful, beautiful, and even a little bawdy at times, was such a Great piece of work. I loved his comic. I wish he'd had a chance to go back and finish it.
Mike Clancy
March 31, 2014
awesome artist, love his work. he will be sorely missed. :(
dennis beebe
March 31, 2014
Thanks David for inspiring me to write dungeons and tales of adventurers lost in those realms as well. Your artwork was an inspiration for the many nights I sat at the table rolling dice.
Tim B
March 31, 2014
It seems from what I read that life was not kind to you in some ways and I wish that could have been different. I hope that somehow, you will come to know that your fans appreciate you and will miss you. Rest in peace, and thank you for the wonderful art.
Paul Beyard
March 31, 2014
Thanks for the wonderful stories, great art, and being a part of my childhood.
Christian A
March 31, 2014
Thank you, Mr. Trampier for the sense of wonder your sword and sorcery art inspired into a 12 year old boy in 1982. This sense of wonder is one of the reasons I am a graphic designer today. Rest in Peace.
Mark G
March 30, 2014
Thank you for your beautiful art. RIP DAT.
Josh K.
March 30, 2014
Thank you David for all the amazing art. You will be missed by all fans of art that created a sense of wonder and magic in our lives.
Dan Pack
March 30, 2014
Thank you Dave for being part of the D&D adventure, for giving shape and substance to our dreams through your art, and for having been an inspiration to so many. Gone, but not forgotten. RIP.
Benoist Poire
March 30, 2014
David Trampier is to this day one of my favourite illustrators of all time. His work was a huge inspiration to me and I will always be grateful to him for producing such an extraordinary body of drawings. I hope he found peace and joy in his later life, and my thoughts are with those who were closest to him.
Dylan Horrocks
March 30, 2014
My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. His work has helped to shape and inspire artists and storytellers of every walk of life, and for that we are ever grateful.
Neal Fisher
March 30, 2014
To paraphrase, "Oh David, we hardly knew ye!" Yet, at the same time, your art lit a candle of wonder and imagination in many of our souls. Thank you so much, and enjoy your latest adventure!
Tom Harbold
March 30, 2014
My sincerest condolences to David's family. Please know he had countless fans who loved the art he created.
Rick Stevens
March 30, 2014
To this day your artwork inspires so many to draw. Thank you for the gift you have left to us. My sympathies goes out to all those who you loved, and loved you David. God speed.
Paul H
March 30, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. I've loved his work for 30 years. His art truly left a lasting impression on me and help to launch an industry that has provided jobs and careers to many people over the years. Rest in peace, adventurer.
Chris Estey
March 30, 2014
He did not know me, but I knew him from his art which was inspiration for many great times in my life. After hearing the news of his untimely passing, many people feel have shown the same feelings. I hope his family and friends knows how much DAT impacted so many people's lives and that he will live on within us and the hobby we all love.
Wes Johnson
March 30, 2014
Thank you Mr. Trampier for inspiring millions with your art.
Will Malone
March 30, 2014
RIP Dave
You are missed...
You are missed...
Pat Sherwood
March 30, 2014
My sincerest condolences to Dave's family and friends, I owe many happy hours to Dave's work as an artist and game designer
Luigi Castellani
March 30, 2014
Thank you Mr. Trampier for your illustrations that inspired me personally on 1000 flights of fancy, and in a hobby I love and now share with my own children. Bless you as you continue your eternal journey.
Bryan Smart
March 30, 2014
He fired the imaginations of countless people, including mine. He will be missed, and may God rest his soul.
Dale Price
March 29, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of DAT's passing. He brought tremendous joy to so many people, and had an incredible impact on the tabletop gaming hobby. He will be missed.
My prayers and deepest sympathies to DAT's loved ones at this time of sorrow.
My prayers and deepest sympathies to DAT's loved ones at this time of sorrow.
Mags
March 29, 2014
I discovered his art first in D&D but enjoyed his touch in other gaming art as well. I'd long hoped he would somehow return to illustration. My sympathies to the family, and regrets to us all.
Don Woods
March 29, 2014
I'd like David's family to know that his art had a great influence on me. His drawing style influenced my own and helped give me an appreciation for his influences: woodcut illustrations and early comic strips like E. C. Segar's Popeye, Pogo and Carl Barks' Uncle Scrooge. We fans are all feeling a great loss this week.
We miss you Dave, though we hardly knew ye.
http://crypticarchivist.blogspot.com/2014/03/rare-dave-trampier-art-introduction.html
We miss you Dave, though we hardly knew ye.
http://crypticarchivist.blogspot.com/2014/03/rare-dave-trampier-art-introduction.html
Tony Rowe
March 29, 2014
Tramp illustrated my teenage years. I've always held his work in my mind since discovering it at 12 years old. He's an icon
Craig Russell
March 29, 2014
I supported his original attempt to print a Wormy book in the 80s, and I would do it again. His art was beautiful and inspiring. Very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Steve H
March 29, 2014
David brought so many smiles to us with his art.
Anthony
March 29, 2014
Dave, thanks for the great art you did for Dungeons & Dragons back in the day. Whereever you are, I hope it pleases you that I've got your Displacer Beast image from the first edition Monstrous Manual on my chest.
Chris Field
March 29, 2014
Thank you for your art, your humor, and your influence on the entire fantasy genre as well as my own artistic development. You helped inspire a generation...
Rest in peace
Rest in peace
Aaron Froke
March 29, 2014
My prayers go out to his family. DAT was signed to many iconic fantasy art pieces that shaped so many of our visions as to what RPGs looked like. The cover of the Players Handbook is a singular work of art that I believe lives in the memory of so many of us who are fans of AD&D. You have been missed for a long time David, please Rest in Peace knowing you made some many of us smile with your great art.
James Thompson
March 29, 2014
Thank you, David, for the imaginative and wonderful art you contributed to this world. Your legacy lives on in your work you left us, and in our hearts; for gamers, artisans, and writers everywhere. Cheers, mate... You were well loved.
John Cameron
March 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Trampier family. Mr Trampier's work was an integral part of my youth, and remains so to this day.
Colin
March 29, 2014