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.
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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.