ASL Bell Tolls

[Tom Morin]

We first met Kiri at Avaloncon 1987, and he quickly became one of the founding members of the bunker club at Vic's place in Holyoke MA. Kiri Naiman hosted the bunker club at his home from 2002 to 2013. He graciously welcomed everyone who came to play, even though he didn't play ASL the last 5 years the club was there. He was a superb ASL player that constantly had the worst luck with dice (it really was incredible to see). He was a good friend, had a great sense of humor, and was one of the smartest dudes I've ever met. Kiri my friend, may you RIP and thanks for the good times.
View attachment 31834

Kiri was also co-designer of 'The First Bid' in VotG. The scenario title was his idea.

 

[pwashington]

The following was posted to a group chat thread for the Fredericksburg Fire Eaters (FFE) ASL Club earlier this week by Mike Balis, FFE Founder:

"Friends,

Larry Maxwell, a long-time member of FFE, passed away last Thursday morning.

He was one of those brave souls who entered the ASL hobby in the mid-80s when there were no articles or grognards to show the way. Much of his early gaming was spent in Kansas City where he played the famous Kinetic Energy and Time on Target ASL products. One of his most prized possessions was winning a "Keeping Whitman Alive" plaque in a KE tourney featuring the scenario where the famous tank ace died.

In his later years, Larry was plagued with ongoing health problems and the loss of his twin brother Gary but he bravely soldiered on at club, Winter Offensive, and my house. He delighted all with his mid-western wit, impressed us with his knowledge of the rules for the most complex boardgame in history, and most importantly, his sportsmanship.

The next time you roll the dice, please remember this kind soul.

Mike"

Larry hadn't been attending FFE Club meetings since 2022 due to his health issues, but those of us who got to play him will remember him as Mike noted above, full of humor and good nature, and always ready for a substantive rules discussion. He could be a bit of a curmudgeon at times, but when he sat down across the table from you, you knew you were in for an entertaining game. RIP.

 

[Actionjick]

The following was posted to a group chat thread for the Fredericksburg Fire Eaters (FFE) ASL Club earlier this week by Mike Balis, FFE Founder:

"Friends,

Larry Maxwell, a long-time member of FFE, passed away last Thursday morning.

He was one of those brave souls who entered the ASL hobby in the mid-80s when there were no articles or grognards to show the way. Much of his early gaming was spent in Kansas City where he played the famous Kinetic Energy and Time on Target ASL products. One of his most prized possessions was winning a "Keeping Whitman Alive" plaque in a KE tourney featuring the scenario where the famous tank ace died.

In his later years, Larry was plagued with ongoing health problems and the loss of his twin brother Gary but he bravely soldiered on at club, Winter Offensive, and my house. He delighted all with his mid-western wit, impressed us with his knowledge of the rules for the most complex boardgame in history, and most importantly, his sportsmanship.

The next time you roll the dice, please remember this kind soul.

Mike"

Larry hadn't been attending FFE Club meetings since 2022 due to his health issues, but those of us who got to play him will remember him as Mike noted above, full of humor and good nature, and always ready for a substantive rules discussion. He could be a bit of a curmudgeon at times, but when he sat down across the table from you, you knew you were in for an entertaining game. RIP.

Sounds exactly what I looked for in an opponent. RIP Sir.

 

[drchilds]

Sadly, an ASL friend and one the best players I ever played, Kiri Naiman, passed away on Monday. Kiri left the hobby over a decade ago but for about 20 years he was a constant in our western Mass ASL club. He is missed, Big-time, Vic.

Oh, Vic... I'm really sorry to hear this. I fondly remember Kiri from our first visits to The Bunker.

 

[Vic Provost]

Oh, Vic... I'm really sorry to hear this. I fondly remember Kiri from our first visits to The Bunker.

You bet Dave, we were shocked to hear this and though Kiri left the hobby 15+ years ago (Bad Dice drove him away from ASL), we still had great memories of him hosting the club for few years, flying dice and all. He is missed, Vic.

 

[andrea pagni]

The following was posted to a group chat thread for the Fredericksburg Fire Eaters (FFE) ASL Club earlier this week by Mike Balis, FFE Founder:

"Friends,

Larry Maxwell, a long-time member of FFE, passed away last Thursday morning.

He was one of those brave souls who entered the ASL hobby in the mid-80s when there were no articles or grognards to show the way. Much of his early gaming was spent in Kansas City where he played the famous Kinetic Energy and Time on Target ASL products. One of his most prized possessions was winning a "Keeping Whitman Alive" plaque in a KE tourney featuring the scenario where the famous tank ace died.

In his later years, Larry was plagued with ongoing health problems and the loss of his twin brother Gary but he bravely soldiered on at club, Winter Offensive, and my house. He delighted all with his mid-western wit, impressed us with his knowledge of the rules for the most complex boardgame in history, and most importantly, his sportsmanship.

The next time you roll the dice, please remember this kind soul.

Mike"

Larry hadn't been attending FFE Club meetings since 2022 due to his health issues, but those of us who got to play him will remember him as Mike noted above, full of humor and good nature, and always ready for a substantive rules discussion. He could be a bit of a curmudgeon at times, but when he sat down across the table from you, you knew you were in for an entertaining game. RIP.

I'm really really sorry. Larry was my first american friend with whom I played.

Andrea

 

[pensatl1962]

These updates are very sad, indeed, and it's fitting that we remember our colleagues. Every time I see that another ASL player passes, I'm reminded of the Doolittle Raiders and what they collectively did to remember each other. Sadly they are all gone now.

 

[Blaze]

These updates are very sad, indeed, and it's fitting that we remember our colleagues. Every time I see that another ASL player passes, I'm reminded of the Doolittle Raiders and what they collectively did to remember each other. Sadly they are all gone now.

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1896 for the year Jimmy Doolittle was born. IIRC they cracked it while a few of the raiders were still with us.

 

[Ray Woloszyn]

Sadly, an ASL friend and one the best players I ever played, Kiri Naiman, passed away on Monday. Kiri left the hobby over a decade ago but for about 20 years he was a constant in our western Mass ASL club. He is missed, Big-time, Vic.

Sorry to here this, Vic. I only met him only once at a distant Atlanticon years ago where we played "The Professionals." That I remember him and the actual scenario is a testament to the impression he made upon me.

 

[Vic Provost]

Sorry to here this, Vic. I only met him only once at a distant Atlanticon years ago where we played "The Professionals." That I remember him and the actual scenario is a testament to the impression he made upon me.

Hi Ray, great to hear from you. I am making a page of Kiri Memories in Dispatch #60, is it OK to include your memory above? I remember playing and losing to you at maybe the same event, the scenario I remember, it had Odessa in the title but can't remember which one, it was a long time ago. I remember you being a superior opponent with great rules knowledge and how to use them. I had fun playing you, and we sure do miss Kiri out this way. Our club was at its peak when Kiri and Allen Loiselle were part of it. Time never stands still though, and we have to do the best we can in honoring those who we have had so many great times with. I hope you have a nice Summer Season, Vic.

 

[Perry]

They Fired On Odessa.

??

 

[davegin]

Saddened to report that long time Cleveland/Cincinnati ASL player and friend, Russ Hall passed away this past week. Russ was a fixture of the early Cleveland ASL crowd. (Fish, Nixon, the Sislers, myself and my brother). He will be missed.

 

[Perry]

I think Russ never forgave me for dicing him in Gavin Take at ASLOk.

 

[Ray Woloszyn]

They Fired On Odessa.

??

Yes, that is the name of the scenario. I always liked that one.

 

[Ray Woloszyn]

Hi Ray, great to hear from you. I am making a page of Kiri Memories in Dispatch #60, is it OK to include your memory above? I remember playing and losing to you at maybe the same event, the scenario I remember, it had Odessa in the title but can't remember which one, it was a long time ago. I remember you being a superior opponent with great rules knowledge and how to use them. I had fun playing you, and we sure do miss Kiri out this way. Our club was at its peak when Kiri and Allen Loiselle were part of it. Time never stands still though, and we have to do the best we can in honoring those who we have had so many great times with. I hope you have a nice Summer Season, Vic.

Sure, please do. No need to mention that I defeated him Just that it was a tight game.

 

[Vic Provost]

Yes, that is the name of the scenario. I always liked that one.

Yep, that sounds right, I had a good time playing you even though I lost, it was a fun scenario!

 

[Vic Provost]

Sure, please do. No need to mention that I defeated him Just that it was a tight game.

Thanks Ray, will do. Keep on, playing on, and Roll Low, Vic.

 

[Actionjick]

Saddened to report that long time Cleveland/Cincinnati ASL player and friend, Russ Hall passed away this past week. Russ was a fixture of the early Cleveland ASL crowd. (Fish, Nixon, the Sislers, myself and my brother). He will be missed.

Damn this hits hard. Russ and I teamed up a couple times at team events at Oktoberfest. Rest in peace comrade. It was an honor and a pleasure to have gunned with you. Your seat at the Great Game Table in the Sky is assured.

 

[Actionjick]

Russ struck me as the same type of guy as Darrell Wright. Always seemed to be in good spirits and glad to be gunnin or talking about it. RIP comrades.

 

[Fort]

Saddened to report that long time Cleveland/Cincinnati ASL player and friend, Russ Hall passed away this past week. Russ was a fixture of the early Cleveland ASL crowd. (Fish, Nixon, the Sislers, myself and my brother). He will be missed.

Sad to hear this. I always enjoyed talking to and gaming with Russ. His snoring was legendary...