RIP Big Ivan

[Scud]

Mike Amos (Warhorse) informed me that our friend and fellow war gamer, John Pirman (Big Ivan) passed away this morning from liver and kidney problems.

I've known John since our early days at the old WarfareHQ/Gamesquad club, having first played him in a tournament there where he cleaned my clock. We played often after that and had many enjoyable conversations over the years by email, text messaging, phone calls and video chats. He was part of the CS beta brigade, playtesting ME and the new Vietnam versions of the game, often against me...where he cleaned my clock. He also volunteered to help out as a forum moderator here at the Blitz and cosponsored some of our tournaments, including the World in Flames Redux tourney where he commanded the Axis team.

John was a metallurgical engineer in real life, employed in the steel industry where he specialized in quality control. He was from Ohio where he went to college, worked in the Syracuse area for years before he and his wife, Gwen, returned to Ohio to finish up his work years prior to retirement.

I will miss him a lot and for the rest of my life.

Rest in peace, Johnny.

[Jason Petho]

John will be missed terribly. 

A good, kind man with a passion for the Campaign Series. 

My deepest condolences to his family. 

Rest well and play hard, John!

[Herr Straße Laufer]

Called to rest.
John was a superior man. A good friend with a heart of gold.
His love of life and dedication to CS, and The Blitz, will always be remembered.

As Dave has said, I enjoyed our email exchanges. There you found a super guy. He will be sorely missed.

Ed

[Crossroads]

Oh man, this hit hard. I just talked with him the other week. Rest in peace, John.

[5 Leichte Div]

Gentlemen All :

I'm just a satellite player here and there.
I did not know "Big Ivan".
But I've been aware of his awesome prowess.

Oh, man - this decade has been calling them in, huh?

His many cohorts will miss him greatly.
Providence.
He's on his way to wargamer Valhalla.
RIP , Sir !

TOM S