A sad note to all gamers in the Pacific Northwest. On August 30, 2000, Colonel Michael S. Edwards died in his sleep. For those of you who did not know Michael Edwards, he was the founder and long- time owner of American Eagles.

I first encountered Mike about 1974 when I came to Seattle looking for lead miniatures. There were only two stores in the Northwest (one in Portland & one in Seattle) that stocked lead historical miniatures. I purchased some 20mm Greeks and some "new" 15mm Minifig Napoleonic British. Compared to figures available today, they could only be described as "bloody awful," but they were the best available and I was thrilled to have them.

His store was located in Greenwood at the time and he had gaming tables in back, with charts all over the walls. He introduced me to a couple gamers there. The Portland - Vancouver Wargaming Association was meeting in rooms at Portland University and no store was giving space to a fringe group of weirdo gamers, except Mike.

Over 25 years ago Mike was looking ahead to the time when every gaming store would have space for gamers. Before game stores became plentiful, his store was a "Mecca" for gamers. I made several trips from Portland to his store for supplies and when I returned to Seattle from active duty (10 years) I immediately went to his store in Ballard, looked in the old cigar box and found some gamers. I went to my first NHMGS gathering at Pacific Lutheran University in 1986, because of info from that box.

Directly or indirectly Colonel Michael S. Edwards has undeniably helped gaming in the Northwest. He retired a few years ago, but his passing is still cause for reflecting upon and remembering the early days and how he helped nurture historical miniatures and all other gaming in the Northwest. Thanks Mike!