Another Empty Chair

A few days ago I received the sad news that a friend of some 25 years has passed away.

John Daniel at Cold Wars early this century, playing in my 54mm 1812 game using my newly written Morschauser inspired rules (eventually Hearts of Tin), wearing his habitual smile and having painted up a unit to help swell my ranks, since history, helping people and smiling were some of the many things that came naturally to him.

I haven't seen John in a few years since I haven't been farther south than Maine and his health has prevented him from travelling as widely as he used to, but we have always stayed in touch. He is one of only two of my American  wagaming friends who have had me for a guest at their home, and one of only three who I have had the pleasure of having  hosted for game at my home in Nova Scotia. 

John was an avid re-enactor, (iir  he's somewhere in the mass of Union soldiers at the assault on Fort Wagner in 'Glory' as well as others,) and he often offered to kit me out if I came to visit during the reenacting season. I would have loved to have taken him up on that offer but time, distance and affairs at home and work always got in my way.

Good bye old friend, we were blessed by your presence here and I am sure your spirit somewhere, is marching on.