TOPIC: Thank you Dad.

My father, Ray "Al" Martin, passed away on Thursday. He fought the good fight, but after 79 years it was time to move on to his next great adventure.

In terms of all the fun I have doing True Dungeon, I must thank my dad for instilling in me a great love of fantasy -- whether it was Robin Hood, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sean, Sinbad or any Universal horror film. Many times I sat propped up on his knee while immersed in a fantastical world -- but I felt very safe at the same time.

He was a very smart and resourceful man, and I am grateful that some of his wisdom managed to fall to me.

His encouragement to start True Dungeon was a big factor in the event's creation, and his great efforts to launch the event were a big help. He spent many hours making the best prop/puzzle during our first year in 2003. His beautiful stain-glass "Ring Puzzle" table was the big hit of that first year, and it was a big part of our first year's buzz. I don't have a great photo of it with the proper goblets, but below is the best we have to share.



So...thank you dad for being a big part of something we all enjoy. Your legacy will live on in the hurried hearts and smiling faces of thousands of gamers for many years.



(My dad is shown above with my son Drake on one of their "camping" trips. Drake wanted a Bobba Fett helmet for the expedition, so these two took a long trip into town to get the perfect thing.)

Jeff

My condolences on your loss.

My condolences. Thank you for sharing your emotion with us.

Condolences to you and yours, Jeff. May God give comfort to you all.

Thank you for the loving tribute to your father. He was clearly a good man and father. You and your family will be in our family's prayers

Jeff, condolences and best wishes to your whole family during this time. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories of your Father. I remember that puzzle, it really was a highlight.

Your family is in our prayers.

My condolences to you and your whole family. My deep sympathies.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss Jeff.

My condolences and sympathy to you and your family in this tough time.

Sorry about your loss, Martin family.

That stained glass table looks awesome.

Sorry for your loss Jeff.

You Dad makes me think of mine, who gave me the love of comics and Edgar Rice Burroughs stories and led me to run conventions, create game clubs and like you help me share his love of those things with others.

Jeff,

I can't imagine the loss you are experiencing. Take to heart you obviously had a wonderful father, friend, and mentor. He certainly did a great job because you turned out like you did. He will always be with you and your family.

Best wishes to you and the entire Martin family.

Ed