It is with great sadness that I must pass on the news that Robert Bledsaw, founder of Judges Guild, creator of the Wilderlands of High Fantasy, died this morning in Decatur, Illinois.

Bob was at his son's home, surrounded by family and loved ones, and passed on to the Great Adventure peacefully.

Bob was a good man, a creator of worlds, and a great friend.

I will have more details on services and memorials in the morning.

Plaag wrote:May he and Gygax roll some dice together.

I expect about now the discussion between the two is over who gets to DM, and in which world, and with which set of house rules!

That would be some table to game at.

I think they'll end up alternating. After all, they have a ton of boardgames to play with Sid Sackson, not to mention plenty of miniature battles with H.G. Wells himself!

Two of the greats both passing in the same year....

This Gencon really needs to be a tribute to both these fine gentlemen!

Mike B

Our little niche of a niche is really beginning to lose some of its pioneers. Not a huge surprise, I guess, given the years that have passed since the glory days, but it's still a shock.

Go in peace, Bob.

I suspect this news won't reach beyond our niche group, but I think Bob's impact on early RPGs and their success is difficult to quantify. I look back at all of the games I played back in the day and they all had some Judge's Guild materials along side them. CSIO was the backbone of one of our longest running campaigns.

This is a sad day indeed.

My best wishes to his friends and family.

And so it goes, those that inspired our youth begin to pass on.

Two giants within months of each other.

Goodbye Bob Bledsaw, you will live on through your remarkable works.

My condolences to you, James, and to others who knew him.

Below is the obituary I have received from Bob's family.

Services are to be held on Wednesday morning, as described below. The service is open to the public, so if you are in the area and wish to pay respects, please feel free to do so.

I will be driving down from Iola to Decatur Tuesday afternoon, staying overnight at a hotel somewhere in Decatur. Feel free to contact me via e-mail by Monday night if you are or will be in the area and wish to get together for a memorial dinner (and maybe game) Tuesday night.

(Note that Bob's family, local friends, and churchgoers are not gamers, so mundane clothing would be most appropriate for the service and dinner after...)

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Bledsaw, Robert E.; Age 65, president of Judges Guild Worldwide, Inc.

Born May 18, 1942 in Decatur, succumbed peacefully to cancer April 19th, 2008 in the home of his son, surrounded by family. A graduate of Lakeview High School and Richland Community College, attended Millikin University. He was employed as an engineer by A.W. Cash, Grigoliet, Essex Wire, General Electric and Zexel Illinois, contributing to the development of quadraphonic sound-systems.

In 1976, with partner Bill Owen, founded The Judges Guild Game Company of Decatur, manufacturers of role-playing games and supplies. Through this venture, became known world-wide as an author and pioneer of Fantasy Gaming, and president of the company.

Robert was a faithful member of the Parkway Church of the Nazarene, with deep affection for his church-family there. Politically, he was an active liberal Democrat, who hated all war, and supported our constitutional liberties. He contributed to many charities, and was a devoted and loving son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. He touched, through his life and works, many lives throughout this world.

He was survived by his father, Walter C. Bledsaw of Decatur, IL; two brothers, Jim (Lynette) Bledsaw of Chanhassen, MN, Bill (Priscilla) Bledsaw of Niantic, IL, and three sisters, Judith (Decie) Huffaker of Murfreesboro, TN, Kathy (Patrick) Eytchison of Lincoln, IL, and Debi (Marc) Summerlott of Decatur, IL; his former wife, Norma Ellrick of Latham, IL; three sons: Robert E. (Jenny) Bledsaw Jr. of Harristown, IL, Bruce A. (Tammy) Bledsaw of Warrensburg, IL, and Walter S. (Kathy) Bledsaw of Decatur, IL; seven grandchildren: (Robert Jr.) Robert E. Bledsaw III, Martin F. Bledsaw, Samuel J. Bledsaw, Aaron J. Bledsaw, Jason W. Bledsaw, Courtney L. Bledsaw, and (Walter) Zane T. Bledsaw; several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Dorothy E. "Dort"; infant daughter, Kathleen Sue and infant granddaughters: (Bruce) Elizabeth, Lucinda, and Hope.

Services will be held at Parkway Church of the Nazarene, 2701 E. Faries Parkway, Decatur, Illinois at 10 A.M. Wednesday, April 23rd, followed by interment at Graceland Cemetery. It is the wish of family that any memorials in his honor be made to this good church:

Parkway Church of the Nazarene
2701 E. Faries Parkway
Decatur, Illinois, 62526

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What can we do as a tribute? I am not a fan of throwing money at something as a "tribute" as I find it shallow and impersonal (my opinion, others are free to disagree.)