For some of us it was easy as we live close by, for others who still gamed it was more of a challenge. Every now and again we'd arrange a weekend session or go away to Warhammer World but the real reason we did all this was just an opportunity to hang out with your mates.
One of those friends Scott, lived a little bit further away. So until Otty built shed 1.0 I didn't see Scott as often, but he and Liam lived close by and met up regularly. These guys have been friends throughout all these years and Ben and Scott had known each other since primary school! They'd done everything from medieval and civil war reenactments, holidays and family meals. They were as close any friends could be.
Unfortunately, Scott discovered he'd got cancer a few year's back. He's had operations and radiotherapy and it seemed like he'd beaten it. We celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this year, surrounded by friends, copious amounts of pizza and Dev Patel's Monkey Man! Sadly he was then told he had 6-12 months. He continued to fight, with rounds of chemo and when he could he'd pop to the shed to roll some dice with us.
When shed 2.0 came on the cards we all tried to get it done so we'd have a new space to play and share with Scott. A few weeks back it was clear time was short, he'd got married to his partner Liz but still wanted to see his mates so we rocked up at his house again for pizzas, Deadpool and Wolverine and Space Marine 2 on his X-box. He wanted to go to the shed and fishing one last time, but each attempt proved too much for him. By the following Saturday he was admitted to a local hospice and we arranged constant visits among his many, many friends, which helped him so much in those last few days. Sadly, he passed away on Friday 1st November.
In truth, out of all of my friends Scott was probably the one I'd had least connection with in those glorious years between '91 and '93. But that meant nothing to a person so blessed with friendliness that any time we met up he'd want a hug from me and we'd spend our time together laughing and chuckling. It's small proof of this when he won Throne of Skulls at Warhammer World, in part because of those 'favourite game' votes that are so hard to get, while simultaneously beating the person you're gaming with. It's a measure of the man that he charmed everyone, made them feel comfortable and made them laugh.
Today we will lay our brother to rest. It will be sad and heartbreaking, but also filled with memories that will hopefully bring smiles and even laughter where a Scott sized hole now resides in our lives. He was a champion of friendship and positivity and we will forever play on with you in our thoughts.
