Gary Gygax, also known as the Father of Role-playing Games, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, and creator of the Greyhawk campaign setting passed away this morning at the age of 69.

I have a great deal of respect for his creativity, the rich world of Greyhawk he created, and his countless contributions to gaming.

In an interview, he was quoted as saying:

I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else.

In total contrast to the stereotype of nerd celibacy, this man fathered six children between two wives.

So please, the next time you play a role-playing game, be it console, computer, or pen-and-paper, think about Gary Gygax who made it possible.