John Eric Holmes - RIP

[Plane Sailing]

Sad news.

I got that issue of the Dragon when it first appeared, and that article had a marked effect on my D&D campaigns from that moment on.

 

[jaerdaph]

I am truly saddened to hear this confirmed. I was first exposed to D&D through the Holmes Basic Set over 30 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Holmes's wife, family and friends.

 

[tylerthehobo]

The aforementioned article on Lovecraft was a real door opener for much of the fantasy gaming community, and his other contributions were monumental, as well... Truly sad.

 

[Zelligars Apprentice]

Sad indeed. Although Gygax and Arneson were the architects, Holmes was the guide, at least to many (including myself).

May he find his way to his preferred higher plane.

 

[Henry]

And another pioneer soul for showing the way to fun is gone.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

As I mentioned to Allan elsewhere, the Holmes edition of D&D was my intro the game, and to RPGs in general. It helped shape my views of what gaming was, and everytime someone speaks of old school gaming, my mind immediately leaps back to the Holmes edition of D&D. The look and feel was all at one time whimsical, mysterious, exciting, and more than a touch surreal, and I still look for all those things in my D&D game. I still have my copy of it - worn, battered, hole-punched, yet still evocative and capable of making me think "man, I gotta play." I hope Mr. Holmes had a good life, because he helped enrich mine.

 

[grodog]

Some random on Wikipedia asserted in March, with no further information, that the man had died. I reverted the change, because no one could corroborate that. I'm inclined to believe you, however. I tried to find more evidence on the web about what happened, but there was nothing substantial to be found, anywhere. Please let us know when/if there will be any further information. Thanks.

I'll certainly pass along whatever details his wife shares, but I imagine that she and the rest of the family are still just dealing with his death. Thanks for updating the Wiki article, Kevin.

His work has had a profound impact on me, and served as my introduction to this hobby. I'll forever cherish his contributions to D&D. Just yesterday I was again perusing the pages of my Holmes book for all the unique little gems within. And, just today, a mere hour ago, he was on my short list of authors whose work I sought as I searched the shelves of my favorite used book store.

and

As I mentioned to Allan elsewhere, the Holmes edition of D&D was my intro the game, and to RPGs in general. It helped shape my views of what gaming was, and everytime someone speaks of old school gaming, my mind immediately leaps back to the Holmes edition of D&D. The look and feel was all at one time whimsical, mysterious, exciting, and more than a touch surreal, and I still look for all those things in my D&D game. I still have my copy of it - worn, battered, hole-punched, yet still evocative and capable of making me think "man, I gotta play." I hope Mr. Holmes had a good life, because he helped enrich mine.

Well said, Jeffrey and Jeff! Holmes' Basic set was also my intro to the hobby, although the warped and twisted version of Holmes Basic as rendered through our DM's interpretive mind. Of all of his works that I've read, though his Boinger and Zereth stories are probably the most fun, and I've treasured re-reading his "Confessions of a Dungeon Master" (from Psychology Today, 1980) from time-to-time over the years.

 

[billd91]

As I mentioned to Allan elsewhere, the Holmes edition of D&D was my intro the game, and to RPGs in general. It helped shape my views of what gaming was, and everytime someone speaks of old school gaming, my mind immediately leaps back to the Holmes edition of D&D. The look and feel was all at one time whimsical, mysterious, exciting, and more than a touch surreal, and I still look for all those things in my D&D game. I still have my copy of it - worn, battered, hole-punched, yet still evocative and capable of making me think "man, I gotta play." I hope Mr. Holmes had a good life, because he helped enrich mine.

It was the edition I started with before moving to 1e AD&D, though I never owned a copy myself (borrowed from a friend who recruited me to play). My wife started with the Holmes edition as well and we still have some pieces of hers around the house, though not all of it has survived.

 

[Mark]

Thanks for bringing this news to everyone's attention. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

[ghul]

<snip> and I've treasured re-reading his "Confessions of a Dungeon Master" (from Psychology Today, 1980) from time-to-time over the years.

I'd love to see a copy of that, Allan!