Absent Friends

[caddyman]

I have just got back from the pub after a fine evening's quizzing and banter with good mates to have the stool kicked out from beneath me.

Someone I know has died. Not quite a friend with a capital "F" but certainly more than an acquaintance with a capital "A". Not a close friend, but a friend nonetheless. A number of friends we had in common, who are also on LJ have reposted and spread the news that Mike Mitchell, sack_boy was killed by a train at Stevenage station on Wednesday just past.

I first met Mike as a player at NWO, on games that I helped co-write. He was an enthusiastic player and always in command of his brief; no-one who was there will forget his portrayal of (particularly) Olybrius and the way that the characters he played took on almost a more forceful personality than his own.

In the flesh, Mike could be funny, kind and well-meaning, but also rather guileless at times. But he was always friendly, generous and kindly spoken. I last saw Mike at my 50th birthday bash. He had, completely out of the blue, spent a fair amount on a set of DVDs for me, which I believe to be a typical gesture.

ellefurtle knew him better than I did; he played and was a long-time member of her guild in World of Warcraft. More than once she giggled at some online jest he had made in the game, or some jolly aside that just added colour and character to the experience.

So long, Mike. If there is an after life, I know that you will be poring over your character sheet to wheedle out the nuances in your new role. I think I still owe you a pint.

Comments

[snorkel-maiden.livejournal.com]

Oh no that's so sad. I only met him once I think but he was lovely, a gentle man and a gentleman. I'm sorry to hear this. Please *hug* Furtle for me if she needs it?

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

This is so very sad.
I also met Mike at your 50th party.

I locked my journal last year and so don't have many LJ Friends, but he was one of them. I liked his sense of humour and general take on life he struck me a a genuinely nice bloke.

Please pass on my regards to Elle and any of his other friends.

[romney.livejournal.com]

I knew him from sitting on the fringe of various drinking sessions in Pendrals Oak/Head of Steam - were he was always happy to exchange beer and interesting small talk with me.

One's life has been slightly enriched, and is now equally diminished.

I will happily drink the pint you owe him, just so that it won't be wasted.

[lapinenoireuk.livejournal.com]

FFS - this is another kick in the bollox.

I first remember meeting Mike at the old Indie Mage game that was running at the Sols Arms back in year X.

He was a good bloke, a good gamer and he liked a pint.

Dunno what else to say now but .... bollox

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

I know, I know. :-(

[lapinenoireuk.livejournal.com]

Any idea what happened, Bro Brian, I tried GOOGLE to see what the local news had published but found nothing