My Dad played WOW. He was 68. We were in the same guild and played together as a family along with my husband and my 2 children.
He went off for a real life raid on Tuesday, met a boss he could not handle and could not be ressed.
It hurts. It hurts bad. It was so sudden. He went how he would have wanted – he played bowls and won. My mum (Win) was with him. He did not suffer in any way. His last words as far as I know were “Oh, Win”. Monday was his 46th wedding anniversary. He had told my Mum only last week “I’m so happy”.
He and I got along far better in the last 3 years of his life thanks to WOW. I became his helpline – my family joked and called us the noob helpline. We would talk every day on the phone about what we were each up to. I taught him how to play, how to research information, how to make gold. He was a valued and trusted member of the guild. The outpouring of grief on our forums has left me stunned. It is hard to comprehend the levels of emotion coming from people we have only ever met online (with a few exceptions).
Fortunately he told Mum his password recently so I can take over his account. My son will have the amazing water-cooled gaming PC he treated himself to a few years ago. My daughter can have his account. I will re-sex and rename his Paladin and Druid and play them. He would have wanted them to be used, played, enjoyed.
He had so much time he used to farm, craft and for him gold making became an important part of the game. I would laugh at him for complaining about spending 10g on something when he had over 30K stashed over his characters.
Recently I had talked to him about borrowing some gold to buy a Reins of the Traveler’s Tundra Mammoth. He had offered to give me the money because he knew it was something I really wanted (he could not see the fun in trivial useless items like mounts and pets) but we had not got round to actually moving any gold. Last night I logged in his bank character and sent myself some money. I had some fun with my new mount, jumping off Krasus’ landing and falling to the ground without dying, forcing people to dismount (sadly a druid and a mage, so they lived) and generally running around remembering my Dad.
It’s hard to log in and not see him standing by the bank waving at me, buffing me and practise casting heals on me. It’s hard to believe he will never be back. Farewell my Dad. I love you so very much.
So sad to hear to this, he was one of the nicest people Lylia and I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I had the privilege of playing with your father during the short time I was with the guild and I always enjoyed his friendly, cheery company. I’m really saddened to hear this news; my condelences to you and your family.
That is beautifully written. I’m so very sorry for your loss – take good care of yourself, and of each other in your family…
I’m very sad to hear of your loss. At the same time I’m glad to hear that you and he were able to connect so well. You have my sympathies.
Hearing this brought shivers to my spine and tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry to hear this Seph, and please know he will be missed by not only the current guild, but many former members as well.
I always entertained the thought of coming back one day, and talking to Tin again about pallies would be one of the highlights.
My best to you, Barkie, and the kids.
Arjen
Words fail me, I’ve been blankly staring at my screen for the last half hour, if I keep this up my co-workers are bound to notice…
Even though it’s been nearly a year since I last chatted with Tin, to know now that I never will again feels unaccountably like I’ve been mugged. I knew him as a kind man, always willing to help. From time to time he was slightly out of his depth in the teenage oriented fantasy world he found himself in, a quality both endearing and amusing to be around (even if it drove my hardcore personality up the wall sometimes).
Attempts to imagine the loss make my screen go all blurry.
I’m so sorry you lost him, I’m even sorrier you lost him so soon.
I have never commented here before. I have only recently stumbled upon your blog in general. So I must apologize for not knowing much about you, or your father. What I do know is that a daughter lost a father; and that she wrote about it in a wonderful way which touched me.
I am so very sorry for your loss, and wish the very best for you and your family during this time.
Is me very deepest condolences, to you and your family.
I can’t imagine losing someone so precious. My condolences to you and yours.
This was very sweet, touching, and well written. My dearest condolences go out to you. Your father sounded like a sweet man.
I am so sorry for your loss. This is a beutiful tribute.
He is missed by many
So sorry for your loss. I, too, am a guild mom. I play with my son (17) and my father (65). I have heard people say that WoW can be a game that causes isolation. I argue that this game has brought my family closer together. When your 17 year old son comes bounding into your bedroom at 4 in the morning cheering ‘we got him mom, we got him’… i mean who could ask for anything more? And my dad plays either of his 5 lvl 80s with us on a daily basis, most recently bringing down the flame leviathon. great times. I didnt know your dad, but my heart goes out to you today.
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