Independent Pages

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Another Loss....Bob Doc Gallagher


Late last year we had lost another friend!

I started this post many moons ago, it languished while I decided to add some pictures of Doc and his games. Then as usual, real life got in the way and I never posted it. My aplogies Doc, you definitely deserved better! Below is the blog entry from one of his friends and clubmemners from the JDL. His words are way more eloquent and expressive than I could hope to do...


Recently the Lakeland Original Chapter of the League lost a member and dear friend. Doc was one of the first to “take the black” as a founding member of the JDLLO. He was also a Navy veteran and the very definition of a “renaissance man”. It was truly an honor to post the banner by his games knowing we were made better because of his skill crafting some of the most popular games at the HMGS-S conventions and beyond.
He was also one of my most important mentors. I learned much from him about the mechanics of running large games, choosing/tweaking rule systems for conventions and always focusing on the two, important goals: keep it moving and keep it fun. Watching him react to the players’ choices and mold the scenario off the cuff was always a treat. The personal touch he put on games such as “It Came From Beyond the Still”, which was already rooted in the delightfully bizarre, was a testament to both his creativity and humor.
Probably the best evidence of his GM’ing ability was how much fun people had playing some of the most cutthroat games you could possibly host. Whether it was the “sudden, but inevitable betrayal” of an “ally” in Pig Wars or a crowd of people chanting “10, 10, 10…” in hopes of your demise racing in the Circus Crapeous, you couldn’t help but laugh. Even as your prized pig was stolen or your chariot crashed spectacularly before you even made the first turn you loved every second. That was Doc’s magic.
To simply say he will be missed is to understate the sorrow so many feel knowing they won’t get to sit at his table at Hurricon in a few weeks. It’s devastating loss to the gaming community at large and a personal loss for many that will always hold him dear. You can be sure there will be many of us sharing stories from one of his games, like the time he convinced my wife to attack me with a bear. Or the pride I felt when I FINALLY made the first turn in my chariot…only to be felled by the second turn. Or the look of utter confusion on all first time players of Pig Wars as they realize that their fellow Vikings are standing over their dead miniatures splitting up the loot they had worked so hard to secure (or the smile that soon followed as they accepted the nature of the game and looked forward to their second game).
Doc: you are remembered, missed and loved. Until we meet again, game well my friend.
MR CUPCAKE
Lakeland Original


I was fortunate to count both as friends and I will miss both.  The main reason I enjoy our hobby so much is the camaraderie.  Our shows are important to me as it is the only time I see many of you.  It is a lesson to me not to take any of you for granted.

Marc R


(8/19/20)
Doc is another one of those gamers and peole that always made you feel comfortable and was a pleasure to be around. His tables were always well attended, his games big fun, and memerable. As Marc and others have stated, it's the people that make this hobby as great as it is. I always loved playing in Doc's "Pig Wars Games" and it was one of my nust do's every convention. You are sadly missed my friend.

Untill we meet again. Rest easy Doc.

Sgt. Guinness

5 comments:

  1. I am sorry for the lose of your friend. He sounds like a stand up guy.

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  2. Thank you commissarmoody, he most certainly was.

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  3. Jeff my Brother... I know that feeling well when you want/need to "blog" about something important but "real life" (and maybe your own emotions) get in the way and delay it. It's great that you posted this & the following post about Bill Pitchard. I knew about your loss of Bill but not about Doc. I'm happy I got to read those 2 posts and share a little of the joy you had playing with those guys, and feel some of the sadness of their loss. Take care and keep on blogging' my friend.

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  4. Jeff my Brother... Just read this post and the 2 before it. I know that feeling well, when you want/need to blog about something important but "real life' (& maybe your emotions) gets in the way and delays you. It's great that you wrote those 2 posts about the loss of Bill Prichard & Doc Gallagher. Thank you for sharing some of the joy you had gaming with those guys... and also the sadness of their passing. Keep on bloggin', my friend.

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  5. Thank you brother! It’s been rough loosing 3 friends and club mates, and so close together. It really makes you appreciate your friends and loved ones.

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