8th April 2013 is...

[PapersAndPaychecks]

... the fourth anniversary of Jerry Mapes' passing. It's become a tradition at this time of year that I begin a thread in his honour.

All rise, please, gentlemen, doff your caps and raise your glasses to the founder of this site. Jerry was only 43 when he died. He was a disabled veteran, who had struggled with health issues for many years. He loved roleplaying games, particularly old school D&D (duh!) and Traveller, and also board wargames of the Avalon Hill kind.

If you would like to remember Jerry in some concrete fashion, then I respectfully solicit your donation to a disabled veterans' charity.

Americans may wish to donate to the DAV. My fellow Brits might like to give a couple of quid to the British Legion, and no doubt there are equivalent charities in other countries as well.

[Benoist]

*Rises and raises pint*

Thank you for the friendships, the opportunity to talk games, and the place, Jerry.

[EOTB]

To Jerry, whose legacy is honored every time a gamer finds this site and shares with everyone else!

[ThirstyStirge]

I will knock back a shot of vodka in his name.

[rredmond]

Ah. Bittersweet this thread always is. Didn't know him as well as a bunch of you guys, but all my interactions with him were very positive.
To Jerry.

[Piper]

You were a good friend and we miss you, Jerry. Keep an eye on us from on high, would you?

[vargr1105]

I was actually wearing a baseball cap when I sat down to read this, which I have removed in honor of Mr. Mapes. I also went and got myself a glass of red wine I am drinking to his memory as I type.

It was only very recently that I became aware that Jerry Mapes was the founder of this site and got acquainted with his story. I joined after his passing so I never got to know or exchange messages with the man, but I appreciate and am very grateful of his role in making the gaming forum I most like to frequent. If it was not for K&K and OSRIC I wouldn't be running and playing PbP games at the Unseen Servant these past months and having a lot of fun doing it.

Thank You Mr. Mapes.


And kudos to all the folks here who worked in OSRIC and all the fellows that make K&K a site worth visiting.

[Juju EyeBall]

Thanks, Jerry. For giving us this little corner of the internet and bringing us together.

[grodog]

Thanks, Jerry. For giving us this little corner of the internet and bringing us together.

I'll second that, and raise a toast: "To Jerry---the man with the vision."

[Matthew]

Hail to his memory.

[TRP]

[thedungeondelver]

Goodbye, and goodnight Jerry. I will never forget our long conversation that Thursday before the bitter week after. Nor will I forget your generosity and your help. I think I speak for all of us when I say God rest you.

[Mudguard]

Not a quality beer, but standing and here's to him. RIP.

[Ghul]

My uncle was a disabled vet, and at his wake I spoke and told those present that he was the bravest man I'd ever known. Not because of the days his service in 'Nam, but because of how he faced every day after, until he passed away some 10 years ago now. So, many thanks to Jerry.

[deathanddrek]

To Jerry, whose legacy is honored every time a gamer finds this site and shares with everyone else!

Cheers, Jerry.

From one of those folks who found your site after your passing.

Dallas.