A love letter to David (repost from general forums)

[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

[Chernobyl]

Checked out a couple of the links and I do appreciate. Condolences.

[Mwhit299]

I'm so sorry you lost your Dad and your best friend. Thank you so much for sharing and wish you all the best.

[taffjones]

Condolences to you and your family, I have just lost my mother in law who I got on with extremely well.

From what you say about you father. It reminds me of the relationship I had with mine unfortunately I lost him 27 years ago, and I still miss him terribly.

As time passes the pain fades, but you treasure the memories more everyday.

[Tanaka]

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.

My condolences. Your post reminds me of me and my Dad and this is one of my biggest fears for the future. To lose that irreplaceable relationship. I fear that emptiness in my future as well. Be grateful you had a Dad like that and he had a son like you. Many don't. Some of my best memories are watching history programs and movies with my Dad. He is the reason for my love of history and war games. Cherish the memories and remember he would not want you to be sad. Cheers

[BillRunacre]

Very sorry to hear this, please accept my condolences.

I do remember some of your Dad's AARs, and appreciating from them how much he was enjoying the games and sharing his experiences.

[Taifun]

Condolences to you and your family. Thanks for sharing with us. Our community is small, he will be greatly missed.

[EarlyDoors]

You're in our thoughts soldier

[pjg100]

My condolences to you. Losing a father is a hard thing. You had a truly wonderful relationship with him, and that is something you will be able to carry with you always.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

I get it, gone through it. Nothing on this Earth can replace a parent.

No worries, The Resurrection.
-EJR

[LoneRunner]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. What great memories. You were blessed to have such a wonderful father. Thanks for sharing.