A love letter to David

[wie201]

Hi Everyone,

This is user HamburgerMeat posting on my dad's account (wie201, WIE standing for an early computer wargame he played called War in Europe.) David passed away a few weeks back after a long battle with several bacterial infections and an amputation.

David was a grognard as far back as I can remember. His basement is full of old and new boardgames, mostly wargames. I'd wager at least 1,000 games down there. I have no idea how to sort them or what to do with them. Maybe donate them to a library? Or a game museum (is there such a thing)?

Wargames were a bit much to handle when I was young, but we played other strategy games like Civilization II together. The first WW2 boardgame he showed me was called Victory: The Blocks of War. Several years ago, he invited me to play my first proper computer wargame: Strategic Command: War in Europe and World at War. He showed me some of his AARs like this one:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 8&t=306723

And we had a blast together. We ended up playing turns together and talking through both overall strategy and smaller details like unit operations/tactics. He both laughed and cried at "gamey" moves that were completely unrealistic (really, field the entire German army in North Africa?) We'd order takeout at our favorite restaurants and talk about history, game plans, and how things were when he was growing up. He wasn't just my dad; he was my best friend. The guy who always had my back.

And now my best friend is gone. I was his only child, the son he always wanted. There's no one else to talk to about the things we loved to do together. I wish I had a sibling just so there'd be someone else that knew from firsthand experience what a great guy David was.

Thank you to this community for giving my dad and I such great times together. Apologies to any opponents (since you had to deal with two heads at once, a bit unfair I know).

The world just feels so empty without you dad.

[HamburgerMeat]

Some more of his work:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 8&t=306104

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 8&t=310218

[Zovs]

Sorry for your loss.

I used own 500 war games. When I sold them off I got about $5,500 for them, so you need to know what you have and what is and what is not worth before selling them off.

I been gaming since 1978, and there is no war game museums to speak of except for some of our homes.

There is really not much paper war gaming communities left anymore but if you can fine one its best to donate to the, better they go into the hands of real war gamers that know their value and worth and could get some enjoyment out of them.

Just my three cents.

[HamburgerMeat]

Thanks for your response.

Yeah I imagine that most of the paper wargaming community migrated to computer wargaming. I'll be sure to check the values of each of the games (eBay probably the best bet?). I'm happy to donate whatever doesn't have monetary or sentimental value

[benpark]

Sorry to hear that.

What a great kid you have been to your Dad (speaking as a father). I am sure he appreciated every second that you spent engaging with these interests, and it appears they also became yours.

Keep the stuff that matters to you, of course. I've not had time to set up board games in years, but many still do. I used to buy board wargames at a place called "Noble Knight Games". They seemed organized, and fair. You could potentially send them a list of what you have and see what they offer. Or eBay. That's a lot of work, though.

[HamburgerMeat]

Thanks for your response. He definitely loved every second of it, even if the gaminess made him a bit nauseous

These guys right? https://www.nobleknight.com/

I'll be sure to check them out.

[RangerJoe]

My condolences.

[Rebel Yell]

God bless, keep, and comfort your family.

Sounds like a great relationship.

As a dad, I know he treasured the time with you.

[benpark]

Thanks for your response. He definitely loved every second of it, even if the gaminess made him a bit nauseous

These guys right? https://www.nobleknight.com/

I'll be sure to check them out.

That's the place. Don't forget to look through the game boxes. I'd sometimes make custom counters, or rule-notes for favorite games- you may find some nice artifacts.

Many of us here will to continue to fight the good fight against the gaminess.

[Hubert Cater]

My sincerest condolences and thanks for sharing.

Great to see you were able to have as many good memories as you did with him and I often think of my own father the same way, my best friend too, and something I try and emulate as a father to my own children.

Again, really sorry to hear about your loss,
Hubert

[Hellen_slith]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my father over 20 years ago. I can still hear in my mind him calling CQ (he was a HAM.)

It is possible that your father's collection could be much more valuable than you realize. I personally would pay $1000 for an unboxed, un-punched original of a certain title which i will not mention.

My point is, if there are 1,000s of titles, you should consider calling in an unbiased, trusted, and knowledgeable appraiser. You will then have a better idea of how to proceed.

Sorry again for your loss, and best of luck to you and yours.

[Erik Rutins]

And we had a blast together. We ended up playing turns together and talking through both overall strategy and smaller details like unit operations/tactics. He both laughed and cried at "gamey" moves that were completely unrealistic (really, field the entire German army in North Africa?) We'd order takeout at our favorite restaurants and talk about history, game plans, and how things were when he was growing up. He wasn't just my dad; he was my best friend. The guy who always had my back.

And now my best friend is gone. I was his only child, the son he always wanted. There's no one else to talk to about the things we loved to do together. I wish I had a sibling just so there'd be someone else that knew from firsthand experience what a great guy David was.

Thank you to this community for giving my dad and I such great times together. Apologies to any opponents (since you had to deal with two heads at once, a bit unfair I know).

The world just feels so empty without you dad.

What a wonderful tribute to your dad. I lost mine back in 2021 and he was my best friend as well. I'm sure your dad is proud of you and my condolences on your loss.

We're losing too many of the old grogs, but I'm glad that there is a new generation with fond memories of wargaming and history coming up through the ranks.

Regards,

- Erik

[warspite1]

Hi Everyone,

The world just feels so empty without you dad.

warspite1

Thanks for sharing your story - and I echo that sentiment. In my case it wasn’t wargames - but football and war history - but its great you had such a close bond and shared interest with your dad. My condolences on your loss.

[Orm]

Condolences, HamburgerMeat, for your loss, and may David rest in peace.

Thank you for telling us about David, or wie201, and sharing the links to his reports, and about the wonderful time you had together.

[Gilmer]

I read this several days ago. It touched me deeply. I'm sorry for the loss of your father.