Sunday, April 20, 2008

Bob Bledsaw RIP

From James Mishler, in the wee hours this morning:
It is with great sadness that I must pass on the news that Robert Bledsaw, founder of Judges Guild, creator of the Wilderlands of High Fantasy, died this morning in Decatur, Illinois.

Bob was at his son's home, surrounded by family and loved ones, and passed on to the Great Adventure peacefully.

Bob was a good man, a creator of worlds, and a great friend.

I will have more details on services and memorials in the morning.
Judges Guild, if that name is new to you, is one of the greatest publishers of D&D material, including stuff for OD&D, AD&D, and 3.x. They also did an excellent Traveller line, stuff for Runequest, and T&T/Monsters! Monsters! In the first edition DMG Gary specifically thanked Bledsaw:
Bob Bledsaw of Judges Guild must also be given credit. He and his associates have certainly contributed to the overall improvement of fantasy adventure gaming, making the undertaking easier and encouraging still more interest in role playing.
Best of luck on your new adventure, Mr. Bledsaw. My condolences to his friends and family.

4 comments:

  1. Jeff,

    I am going to be in Decatur on Tuesday afternoon and staying there that night; Bob's service is on Wednesday at 10:00 am, followed by a church luncheon.

    Would you be interested in getting together for a memorial dinner for Bob in Decatur or Champaign Tuesday night? Maybe even an evening of memorial gaming, a classic dungeon crawl beneath the City State, depending on time?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aw, man :(

    Bledsaw, both directly and indirectly, has rocked and stocked my gaming table nonstop through every single phase of my love of this hobby.

    Not since the passing of Charles Schulz have I felt so rotten about having never sent a note of thanks. :(

    ReplyDelete
  3. James, I'm shooting you an email in a moment.

    ReplyDelete
  4. He leaves behind a hell of a legacy.

    Tip of the tie to Mr Bledsaw and his work.

    ReplyDelete