“Wargaming is calling and I must go”

                                                    William "Bill" Pritchard

I cannot believe it’s been a year since Bill’s passing, just days before Doc. Once again this post was started and left unfinished to find pictures and the right words to commemorate a friend. While looking through the 20 or so started but unfinished blog entries I came across this un-posted post. 

But, better late than never....

It is with sadness that I must report the passing of one of our own friends and club members. Bill Pritchard passed away this afternoon (8/13/2019) after a long hard battle with multiple medical issues and being in and out of healthcare facilities for treatments. Sadly his wife is NOT going to have any kind of ceremony here in Fl. or in Mass. May I suggest we honor him at our next club game this coming August 24th. 

Bill was a voracious gamer and collector with many historical interest, his favorite being the American War of Independence, being raised in Mass. He collected all manor of military memorabilia and had (2) large collections of toys, one in Mass and one here in Florida. I'd known Bill for many a year as we had met at a Historicon some umpteen years ago. He collected, painted, and ran games despite his hearing loss from an illness as a very young man. We had collaborated on many games and were working on one just before he passed away. He'd sent me the map and scenario ideas for the game we were planning and which I will formalize and run at an upcoming HMGS-South Convention at an Orlando / Kissimmee venue in his honor. 

He lived for wargaming and the times he got to spend with his friends and club mates around a games table.

Bill entertained us with his lengthy and witty replies to any and all correspondences, his digital salutation always being “Wargaming is calling, and I must go.”

We will miss you Bill.

Best regards,

Jeff Baumal