Sad news indeed. I played RPGs for most of my life (mostly as DM). It wasn't always D&D, but then D&D wasn't always Gygax. He started the whole thing, I owe him much for shaping a big time of my life.
I remember playing a gnome illusionist, with a babarian in our group, all first edition of course. I had a great time.

A ship in port is safe; but that is not what ships are built for.
Sail out to sea and do new things.
-"Amazing Grace" Hopper

Avatar image of me done by Chidori.