Word is going around the matrix forums and Grogheads that critter, all well known fixture, has died of a heart attack.

I'm stunned and sadded by this horrible news.

Oh my god.  That's horrible news if true.  He was always a friendly and personable guy.  I even spoke with him on the phone last year back when I was unemployed; he gave me some cogent advice on becoming a truck driver. 

If he has passed away, then I'm genuinely saddened to hear it, and I mourn his loss. 

what the hell...I just saw him in Houston 3 months ago with Goatryder...damn...this distressing...I am afraid to call his cell!

Life is fragile; make a difference in somebody else's life before it is too late, gamers!

I am sad!

Very sad news. I was lucky enough to meet Critter and spend some time with him a few months ago with Azz. Last we spoke he lost his job- I believe he was under stress and this came at the worst time. My prays for critter and his family.

I'm still shocked !
my condolences to the family and friends
a wellknown part of our international Wargaming Community (spread over many forums) lost 

1170 good posts since 4/7/2004 here

I miss him!

RIP Critter 

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3103878&mpage=1&key=�

Very, very sad.

Rest in Peace Roy. 

Originally Posted By Mike_GER (14 MAY 2012 12:31am)

I'm still shocked !
my condolences to the family and friends
a wellknown part of our international Wargaming Community (spread over many forums) lost 

1170 good posts since 4/7/2004 here

 

I miss him!

RIP Critter 

 

Yeah man.  I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about critter.  He was liked by all.

Very sad.

He helped me out a lot last year when I lost my job too. RIP critter, I hope you're at peace.

Thanks for posting the link whomever that was over at Matrix.com.

It helped to know him even a bit better and for that, I am most grateful.

See you one day up above, Big Bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

N

Sad to hear this

My prayers will go out to his friends and family tonight.

I don't think I was in contact with many of his posts - but it's always sad news to hear of someone passing so early in life. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

R.I.P. Critter.

Critter's obit. 

http://baue.tributes.com/show/Raymond-W.-Critter-Cheatham-93812954

Strange...just spoke on the phone with him not two weeks back...seemed to be in good health and cheer...shame, really.

Spoke yesterday to his fiance, Debbie.

She was pleasant as could be but the more she spoke the closer she came to being overwhelmed by her emotions.

You could hear, distinctly, the love and warmth she had in her heart for Critsker in her voice!

He, no doubt, lives on...

R.I.P.

Well I'm back -- so to speak.  I'm now in La Crosse, WI (got in last night around 10:00), getting ready to go visit my grandmother and attend the Syttende Mai festivities across the river in Spring Grove.  Before I go, though, here's a quick report on my trip to St. Louis for the funeral: 


Ray's memorial service went well (if that can be said for such an event).  It was held at the funeral home, and was a fairly intimate gathering; I'd guess somewhere around 50 people were there, mostly family (I believe).  Appropriately, he was being buried with his copy of Decisive Campaigns: The Blitzkrieg from Warsaw to Paris.  I had to grin when I saw that! 

The Patriot Guard riders were there in full force as well (for those who didn't know, critter served in the Navy).  I'd never seen them in person before, and they presented a most impressive -- and moving -- sight.  I thanked them for their service, having promised myself I would do so should I ever have the opportunity. 


Ray's ex-wife Linda (with whom he'd remained on good terms) found me shortly before the service began; she greeted me warmly, especially when I explained what I was doing there and how I knew Ray.  She delightedly introduced me to his friend Greg, with whom he'd been playing wargames for the better part of 30 years.  (We talked shop a little bit, despite his being clearly out of my league -- this guy's experience with the genre was orders of magnitude beyond my own -- and also got to learn a little bit more about critter in the process.)  He was an incredibly nice guy, and we sat together during the service. 

I also spoke with Ray's fiance Debbie afterwards, and she too was very glad to see me after I explained how I knew him.  (In addition, I thanked her for informing us about his passing.)  I told her and Linda about the Grogheads, Wargamer, and Matrix sites (I'd included the web addresses for all three in the card), and they said they would be sure to check out the threads dedicated to him.  They seemed very touched by the fact that so many people whom they'd never even met were affected by Ray's death, and I made sure to let them know that they had our full sympathy and well-wishes. 




Anyway, that's about all I got for now.  I'm off to see my grandmother and stuff my face with fine Norwegian cuisine.  Later guys!

Martok, it's hard to thank you enough. But thank you.

Yes, Thanks from all of us. 

I met Critter in person when I was moving up here to North Idaho, while still living 15 minutes from him in Illinois. He came up and bought some wargames and books from me. Lots of fun to talk with and pretty enthusiastic about the hobby too. Just a really nice, down to earth guy.

RIP Critter... :-(

You're welcome guys.  It was my genuine pleasure.  

Originally Posted By Braz24 (19 MAY 2012 6:00pm)

I met Critter in person when I was moving up here to North Idaho, while still living 15 minutes from him in Illinois. He came up and bought some wargames and books from me. Lots of fun to talk with and pretty enthusiastic about the hobby too. Just a really nice, down to earth guy.

 

RIP Critter... :-(

Yep, that was pretty much what was said about him at the funeral as well (and incidentally, meshes with my own impression of critter):  That he loved wargaming, enjoyed life, meeting people & making friends, and -- most importantly -- was just a really good guy.  It was clear he'll be sorely missed by many. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, im his daughter amanda also the daddy's girl between my sister(passed away in 2003) and i, and having hard time with losing dad and seeing everything that all his gamer friends had to say about him and supporting the family.  i know that dad was prolly just as shocked as the family when news had gone so fast about his condition, and just how many people were touched and saddened by his passing.  there is a huge void i have not figured out how to even close but he is still here in spirit.  dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about dad. 

i would go to drop off my two girls for the weekend and he would be in the back room at nana(dads fiance) playing one of many of his favorite war games. 

i used to sit and watch him play war games all through my childhood unfortunaly cant play those never to this day can grasp the rules i guess but he would always say i hate this game but after everytime continued to sit and play.

so one being of age, asked if you hate the game why do you play it?  he just started laughing.

from then on it was i hate this game, but i love this game!!!

figured i would share a gamer story of my father and i with you all.

thank you very very much for all your support and very comforting messages. 

Amanda Cheatham

Hey Amanda!  I see you made it over here as well.  Glad you did. 

Yeah, that was a neat little story about critter.  Thanks for sharing it with us! 

Critter's love for wargames and especially Decisive Campaigns can never be forgotten. This was discussed with the team at Slitherine/Matrix Games and we'll be putting a mention to Critter in the credits of Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue. 

Originally Posted By ScottP (20 JUN 2012 9:47am)

Critter's love for wargames and especially Decisive Campaigns can never be forgotten. This was discussed with the team at Slitherine/Matrix Games and we'll be putting a mention to Critter in the credits of Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue. 

 

 

Well done!  Kudos!