Newspaper blurb about Gary's Memorial

francisca · Aug 4, 2009

http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/aug/01 ... ke-geneva/

Plans under way for memorial to gaming icon in Lake Geneva
By KAYLA BUNGE
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009

Lake Geneva's Gary Gygax, who authored many game novels.

Lake Geneva's Gary Gygax, who authored many game novels.

LAKE GENEVA — Gary Gygax, co-creator of the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons and father of the role-playing phenomenon, gave millions of men and women a gift: husbands, wives and lifelong friends.

Gygax's wife, Gail, and his children want the local gaming giant to be remembered for his immeasurable contribution by erecting a memorial statue of him in his hometown.

Gygax died March 4, 2008, at his home in Lake Geneva. He was 69.

The memorial statue would serve as somewhat of a resting place for his legacy in his hometown, which he loved so much, Gail said.

"That is my mission, to get that (statue) as an appreciation for what he gave people throughout the world," she said.

"Through his games, these men and women developed lifelong relationships," she added. "His games taught them friendship and respect and teamwork. It was more than a game; it was life."

In 1974, Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons, a game of medieval characters and mythical creatures in which players create fictional characters and carry out their adventures with the help of complicated rules.

In 1967, Gygax founded Gen Con, which is recognized as one of the longest-running and prominent gaming conventions in the world.

He also was a prolific writer and wrote dozens of fantasy books.

Gail said she and Gary discussed the idea of a memorial statue before he died. He wanted to be cremated. She suggested erecting a statue in Library Park, where he often spent hours reading and writing.

"He loved that idea," she said.

Gail is working with a local attorney to form a corporation to begin raising money for the project. She also is planning a fundraiser to be held during Gen Con in 2010.

At that time, some of her husband's personal items, including original manuscripts, will be auctioned off.

She said big names in the gaming, computer and film industries already have contacted her with interest in supporting the project.

She said local businesspeople likely will join the ranks, too.

"There's this big support network of fans he touched throughout his life," she said.

Gail and her family will present their idea Wednesday to the Lake Geneva Park Board.

"It's going to be a fun project," she said. "It's what he gave to people. It's how he affected their lives.

"It's not the game; it's the gift he gave to people. I hope they embrace that."

Gail is hopeful city officials will recognize her husband's contributions above and beyond gaming and match some of the money raised for the project.

She declined to offer details about the appearance or exact placement of the memorial statue until plans are firmed up.

"It's something he wanted, and something his fans would want," she said.

"It's going to be very tasteful."
Click to expand...

shalaban · Aug 4, 2009

So Luke, will Gail be at Gary Con II this year? It would be good to see her there.

dndgeek · Aug 4, 2009

Nice article, but I think a follow-up with Gary Con and fund/donation info would help.

Melf · Sep 12, 2009

Sorry, I missed these last posts on te monumnet. Here is a belated answer!

Yes we are working closely with Gail on a monument for Dad in Library Park in Lake Geneva. Gail has put together a team of folks to assist with the effort. Gary Con will continue to gather funds first to perpetuate Gary Con every year as a tribute to our Dad. All funds collected above and beyond will be donated to the monument. The exact design and location are still pending, so I can't give more details- but from what I know it will be even better than our original concept rolled out at Gary Con I. I am personally very excited about it.

And Gail is planning on coming to Gary Con II- and she has been invited to hold a Q&A session.

Luke

geekpreacher · Sep 12, 2009

Melf said:

Sorry, I missed these last posts on te monumnet. Here is a belated answer!

Yes we are working closely with Gail on a monument for Dad in Library Park in Lake Geneva. Gail has put together a team of folks to assist with the effort. Gary Con will continue to gather funds first to perpetuate Gary Con every year as a tribute to our Dad. All funds collected above and beyond will be donated to the monument. The exact design and location are still pending, so I can't give more details- but from what I know it will be even better than our original concept rolled out at Gary Con I. I am personally very excited about it.

And Gail is planning on coming to Gary Con II- and she has been invited to hold a Q&A session.

Luke
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the update, Luke. I really think it's awesome the way your whole family is trying to honor your father and his memory. To see the sense of love Gary's family has for him, imnsho, is as strong (or stronger) a testimony to his legacy than anything else he may have done.

Log in

Newspaper blurb about Gary's Memorial

francisca Troubadour

shalaban Chevalier

dndgeek Troubadour

Melf Administrator Staff Member

geekpreacher Spellbinder

Share This Page

Log in

Newspaper blurb about Gary's Memorial

francisca Troubadour

shalaban Chevalier

dndgeek Troubadour

Melf Administrator Staff Member

geekpreacher Spellbinder

Share This Page

Useful Searches