Co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons and one of the founding fathers of the role-playing genre, Dave Arneson has passed away at the age of 61.

While the late Gary Gygax, who passed on a little more than a year ago, added fantasy elements to war gaming to create the basis for Dungeons & Dragons, it was Dave Arneson who took those rules and altered them to a point where instead of controlling large armies, players controlled a single character with a role to play, giving birth to the role-playing genre as we know it. It may have taken a 1979 lawsuit to get him listed officially as D&D's co-creator, but role-players around the world will always remember his contributions to gaming, both tabletop and otherwise.

According to a statement issued by Arneson's family, the legend passed away quietly shortly after 11pm on Tuesday, April 7th. You'll find an address to send cards and letters below, along with the location of the April 20th viewing in St. Paul, Minnesota, where fans are invited to pay their final respects.

The clattering of dice falls silent once again, but the rolling, virtual and physical, will never cease, thanks to the contributions of this great man. He will be missed.

Cards and letters can continue to be sent:
Dave Arneson
1043 Grand Avenue
Box #257
St. Paul, MN
55105

Visitation will be on April 20th
Time: yet to be determined
Address:
Bradshaw Funeral Home
687 Snelling Avenue South
St. Paul, MN 55105

Send an email to Michael Fahey, the author of this post, at fahey@kotaku.com.