It is with profound sadness that I must pass the word that my dear friend John Fernandes has passed away this afternoon. He was enjoying the crisp Spring weather with a walk in the park and holding hands with his beloved Beverly when he suffered a massive coronary and quickly passed.
John was the author of countless papers, games such as the GHQ Microarmour Games, and most recently the Wehrmacht '47 gaming supplement. He was always willing to teach and guide gamers and was an incredible friend and open-handed person. He was quiet and courageous with a good and true soul.
Though most folks only know him for his contributions to the wargaming community, his quick wit, his friendly and giving nature at conventions there is another side that a few of us were lucky enough to share. Few know of his courage during the Tet offensive. During his time in the Marines, his analytical genius saved many a life by putting together diverse facts into a cogent whole and seeing patterns before troops could get caught in them. His life touched me then, his friendship has touched me since.
One of his greatest joys was to surround himself in his books as he delved into a project and rooted out the smallest of facts. He put his head, heart, and hand into his publications. I raise a horn to celebrate John Fernandes: Steel True and Blade Sharp, every inch a Knight! I salute you.
Drekk hael, elsk hael, lif hael, deyja hael, fara hael, VES HAEL!
decides on hills for his Team Yankee project.