The news of Steven Russell's passing made it's way to me early in the evening yesterday. It took me a few moments to digest the news and even then I didn't want to believe it and needed to confirm it with an actual online new story, which I did.
And I still didn't want to believe it.
I first got to know Steve with his early patronage projects. He was basically doing Kickstarter before Kickstarter was a thing, and he did it well. Communications weren't just top notch, they were personal. I remember bouncing a handful of emails back and forth with Steve while backing one of those early projects, but I'll be damned if I can find them or remember the details. I just remember how it felt to actually talk with a creator of games so freely and easily. It felt good.
When the Kickstarter for Lords of Gossamer & Shadow was in the works we exchanged a few emails. I was excited to see someone take up the threads of the Amber RPG and breath new life into a system that was too important to be forgotten.
And now he's gone.
I regret not knowing the man better than I did and consider myself blessed for the contact we did have.
There will be a gathering in his memory during Gen Con in Indy in August. Wish I could go. Details are on Facebook for those that knew him.
It was a terrible shock and a terrible loss for all family, friends, and the industry as a whole.
ReplyDeleteVery sad indeed. Best wishes to his family.
ReplyDeleteVery sad indeed. Best wishes to his family.
ReplyDeleteI was very sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked and saddened by Steve's loss, he was such a good guy and a distant friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! There is a fund that people can help support his family here: https://www.gofundme.com/2d5qnes
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute, Erik.
ReplyDeleteSeems like he left the world a better place than he found it. Thoughts are with his friends and family.
ReplyDelete