Colonel Bill 03 Sep 2013 6:34 p.m. PST

Don Featherstone passes, sad news from Christopher Scott in England (quote): I am sorry to be the bearer of sad news but I have just heard that Don Featherstone passed away. I saw him a few weeks ago for one of his military dining club dinners and he was in good spirits but very frail. Unfortunately he had a fall and was discovered collapsed by a neighbour. He was taken into Southampton hospital and had been there a while but his general conditioned deteriorated. I have no other details only that he died yesterday. As I said I am so sorry to have to give you this news but thought you'd like to know. Regards, Colonel Bill

Whatisitgood4atwork 03 Sep 2013 6:39 p.m. PST

I am sad to hear that. His books, along with Charles Grant's, were part of my first introduction to this hobby. RIP Sir, and thank you.

nevals 03 Sep 2013 6:41 p.m. PST

One of the giants on whose shoulders we stand and play with our little soldiers.

Thank you,Sir.

Gonsalvo 03 Sep 2013 6:42 p.m. PST

Truly a sad day for all of us. I was fortunate enough to meet Don and chat with him briefly at Historicon about 10 years or so ago (introduced to him by Jim Getz, no less!) He was 80+ years old at the time and said it would be his last trip across "the pond" due to his advancing age. I still have a bunch of copies of The Wargamer's Newsletter from the late 1960's and early 1970's. Hopefully St. Peter can arrange some games with Don, Jack Scruby, Charlie Sweet, and H.G. Wells among others!

Wackmole9 03 Sep 2013 6:43 p.m. PST

I Had the good fortune of meeting him at Historicon. He Gave a wonderful talk about how games are games and war is war. He was a true gentlemen and may he rest in peace.

Robert Burke 03 Sep 2013 6:48 p.m. PST

I never had the privilege of meeting him in person but I was fortunate enough to have a phone conversation with him once. I was able to purchase his file on the Anglo-Persian War of 1857 (one of my treasured possessions). The hobby as a whole owes him so much.

shelldrake 03 Sep 2013 6:49 p.m. PST

It was thanks to Donald Featherstone that I am a wargamer, which started after I borrowed one of his books from the library. May he rest in peace.

Endless Grubs 03 Sep 2013 6:53 p.m. PST

I'm with shelldrake--my first wargaming books were Featherstone! Rest in peace!

79thPA 03 Sep 2013 6:57 p.m. PST

A true pioneer.

morrigan 03 Sep 2013 6:57 p.m. PST

Me too – Wargames Through the Ages 3000 BC to 1500 AD. Thank you Sir.

Bandolier 03 Sep 2013 6:59 p.m. PST

May he RIP. I read War Games when I was 12 and it all started from there.

Don Manser 03 Sep 2013 7:00 p.m. PST

Glad to have met him once. Made a lasting impression on me. DM

skinkmasterreturns 03 Sep 2013 7:00 p.m. PST

Very sad.:(

Sparker 03 Sep 2013 7:06 p.m. PST

One of the wargaming pioneers, and one of the greats to boot! A World War 2 veteran, and father to a Policeman who was killed in the line of duty – like Father like Son Thanks Don, for your Service, and for your immense contribution to Wargaming. We are all diminished by your passing. Rest in Peace thy Good and Faithful Servant. I'm so glad to hear he was in the care of the fine people at Southampton General, they are stars so we can be sure they made his last moments as comfortable as possible

Mako11 03 Sep 2013 7:13 p.m. PST

I'm very sorry to hear that. I've enjoyed his books and rules. Rest in Peace.

Ancestral Hamster 03 Sep 2013 7:19 p.m. PST

As with others, it was discovering his books at the local library that was my introduction to wargaming. Thank you, Mr. Featherstone. Go in Grace, sir.

plutarch 64 03 Sep 2013 7:21 p.m. PST

'Battles with Model Soldiers' was my first inspiration, and still sits in pride of place on my bookshelf. If it wasn't for his books igniting and sustaining the initial spark, I am sure my interest would have fizzled out early and I would have missed out on many rewarding years in this hobby.

Nic Robson 03 Sep 2013 7:22 p.m. PST

Luckily got to meet him several times, and he bought me a copy of one of his books as a present. An absolutely lovely chap. One of the times I felt privileged to meet an influence. Nic Eureka Miniatures

The Gonk 03 Sep 2013 7:31 p.m. PST

A very inspirational man!! Rest in peace, Mr. Featherstone.

John Leahy 03 Sep 2013 7:35 p.m. PST

Sad to see him leave us. He contributed so much to our hobby. RIP sir.

Prince Alberts Revenge 03 Sep 2013 7:36 p.m. PST

As a child, I would look through the library's copies of his books. This fed the flame that is my passion for wargaming. He will be missed, his contributions will not be forgotten.

combatpainter 03 Sep 2013 7:37 p.m. PST

RIP

DisasterWargamer 03 Sep 2013 7:38 p.m. PST

Thanks Don for everything Be at peace

Battle Cry Bill 03 Sep 2013 7:47 p.m. PST

Thank you Mr. Featherstone. You will be remembered fondly for your contributions and your enthusiasm for the hobby.

galvinm 03 Sep 2013 7:52 p.m. PST

Battles with model soldiers is the 1st wargaming book I ever bought. Still have it, along with others. Rest in Peace Mr. Featherstone. You brought joy and entertainment to many a young and old boy.

wrgmr1 03 Sep 2013 7:56 p.m. PST

I think we all agree, he grandfathered many of us into the hobby. Sad to hear this news and hope he can find a good game on the other side.

account cancelled 03 Sep 2013 8:05 p.m. PST

Truly a sad day.

Old Contemptibles 03 Sep 2013 8:21 p.m. PST

I have enjoyed his "Campaigning with the Duke of Wellington & Featherstone." A sad day indeed. What a loss.

Shagnasty 03 Sep 2013 8:36 p.m. PST

I was very pleased to meet him some year ago at Historicon. He was a delightful gentlemen and properly attired in khaki for his time in the Colonies. The book he signed for me is one of my treasures. May he rest in peace.

McKinstry 03 Sep 2013 8:41 p.m. PST

Thank you and rest in peace.

Toy Soldier Green 03 Sep 2013 8:47 p.m. PST

In sympathy.

ancientsgamer 03 Sep 2013 8:48 p.m. PST

He will be sorely missed. Truly one of the cornerstones of this hobby and its proliferation outside of the U.K. He along with Jack Scruby of the U.S. are probably the main reasons we game historical miniatures today. There were certainly many others but these two were giants. Pax vobiscum

ancientsgamer 03 Sep 2013 8:49 p.m. PST

He will be sorely missed. Truly one of the cornerstones of this hobby and its proliferation outside of the U.K. He along

with Jack Scruby of the U.S. are probably the main reasons we

game historical miniatures today. There were certainly many others but these two were giants. Pax vobiscum

justBill 03 Sep 2013 9:08 p.m. PST

Thank you Mr. Featherstone. May you find peace in the Fields.

Pijlie 03 Sep 2013 9:12 p.m. PST

We all pay tribute to him. May he either rest in peace or play in wargaming heaven. A remarkable man.

StoneMtnMinis 03 Sep 2013 9:32 p.m. PST

One more star is added to the celestial lights of this hobby. Dave

Ben Waterhouse 03 Sep 2013 9:37 p.m. PST

"Through mud and blood to the green fields beyond." The man who kindled the spark for me via Dewsbury Library in 1971. Rest in Peace.

Early morning writer 03 Sep 2013 9:41 p.m. PST

I'm happy to know that he and Jack Scruby will finally be able to "get together" for a game. My condolences to his family and friends. He is a giant upon whose shoulders the rest of us stand. Of course, he will also get to rejoin with his son who died much too young. Mr. Featherstone's eulogy of his son was one of the most moving pieces of writing I've ever seen in this hobby.

MacrossMartin 03 Sep 2013 9:49 p.m. PST

This is sad to hear. But let's not forget – Although we know the hobby is that much poorer for his passing, we are all so greatly enriched by what he left behind.

Johannes Brust 03 Sep 2013 9:55 p.m. PST

A friendly gentleman every time we met.. God bless him.

Etranger 03 Sep 2013 10:03 p.m. PST

RIP

TMPWargamerabbit 03 Sep 2013 10:44 p.m. PST

I roll the dice in his honor . RIP

BlackWidowPilot 03 Sep 2013 10:53 p.m. PST

By all accounts a genuinely decent and honorable human being on so many levels, Donald Featherstone remains a legend IMHO, I would assert he was one of the very real Founders of our hobby and the community that supports it. God rest his splendid soul.

Leland R. Erickson

Metal Express

metal-express.net

krieghund 03 Sep 2013 10:56 p.m. PST

RIP Sir.

idean62 03 Sep 2013 10:58 p.m. PST

In 1975 I found out he lived literally 5 mins round the corner from me. I couldn't decide if I should phone him or knock on his door. I spent weeks building up the courage and finally phoned him and he spent a good 30 mins talking to this 13 year old and giving me tips and encouragement. A real gentleman, it is a very sad day for the hobby.

basileus66 03 Sep 2013 11:05 p.m. PST

Thanks Sir, and rest in peace

Fat Wally 03 Sep 2013 11:08 p.m. PST

Very, very sad. Founder of my wargames club. Sadly, never met the man but I've never heard anyone who did have a bad word for him. RIP Don.

Princeps 03 Sep 2013 11:21 p.m. PST

Very sad news. He was major influence on my young wargaming self through his books. A brave man who served his nation well and gave a huge amount of inspirition to an entire generation of wargamers.

shadow king 03 Sep 2013 11:26 p.m. PST

I only just heard this,Iam so sad, his books and ideas made my wargames and what Iam today . RIP a great man

(Phil Dutre) 03 Sep 2013 11:27 p.m. PST