I can't really think of a verse or a phrase to sum anything up, but Gary Gygax was a man among men. I count myself as one of the proud few who were exposed to his largely unsuccessful, yet favored, creation: Lejendary Adventure. His love for his craft and hobby, and the people surrounding it, were by no means affected in any way by monetary success. He was consistently involved with us, and easily included others into his world.

I won't get all weepy and geeky over what he brought many of us, but I will note his character as evidenced by his passion for what he loved. That means more than any dice game or fantasy land. He had an undying joy that stemmed from creating stories and worlds together with friends. Critics can say what they will of dark rituals, dangerous crowds, and social outcasts, but at it's core, his games were always about friends. Getting together with some friends and spending time doing something collaboratively.

I never met him personally, and was only honored a couple times by his conversation, but one can only imagine that what I know of him is merely the tip of the iceberg of his character, and only his friends and family can say more.