(Editor's Note: I received this letterftom Kenn Hart in early July regarding the untimely passing of David Barnes, who did such a wonderful job on his "Miniature Products Review " MWAN column for so many years. I sent a letter of condolence to his wife, Mary. If anyone wishes to do so, they can send a card to: Mary Barnes, Briarlands, Achnacree mor, North Connel, by OBAN, Argylli, Scotland, PA3 7 ]RD, UK. Kenn was kind enough to write the tribute following his opening letter) I regret to inform you that the Solo Wargamers Associations Chairman and Chief Reviewer, Mr David Barnes, died on 26 June 1999 from an heart attack on his 66th birthday. His contribution to wargaming in general and the Solo Wargamers Association and Lone Warrior in particular is immeasurable. He was a gentleman in all senses of the word and was an inspiration to all of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. On behalf of all of us within the wargaming world, I have passed on our sympathy to his wife, Mary and his family. TRIBUTE TO DAVID BARNES It is very difficult to sum up, just what David contributed to the SWA, Lone Warrior and of course MWAN. We are all aware of his top class down to earth and honest reviews, supported by his excellent drawings and his articles were always a joy to read irrespective of the period. His enjoyment of the wide ranging aspects of the hobby came out in his writings and I do mean writing because everything was done by hand! The typed copies seen in LW were normally digitized by Ian Duncan, who was the unsung hero of David's team and despite my efforts they never actually got to meet. The unique thing about the SWA is that we very seldom meet each other and yet through the pages of Lone Warrior we feel we get to 'know'-one another. This was definitely the case with David for the majority of our members and those firms that he did his reviews for. I met David annually at SKELP, the most northerly and friendliest show held in Kirriemuir, Scotland. He would travel across from the West coast and I would, having gone through passport control, come up from England. At the show along with two or three other worthies we would judge the painting competition as well as the participation and demonstration games -- This last bit was quite good fun because we used to go 'undercover', take off our huge judges badges and observe the games as a normal punter. Because I became too well known as Head Judge, it was up to David and the rest to carry on with this subterfuge, and it worked. The highlight for me would be the lunch we would have in a local hotel and you could guarantee that there would be other gamers in there and before long David and I would be involved in friendly discussion with them. His wargaming knowledge was immense but he never forced upon anyone and was quite content to sit and listen to what the others had to say. He was a true gentleman and I will miss him, especially this November when I do my annual trek north. David was one of the 'behind the scenes' workers who do it for the love of the hobby or the organization. He never sought the limelight and was extremely embarrassed a few years ago when he was given, in recognition of his work and support, a dictionary which he had been considering buying, by the organizers of SKELP. Apart from the tremendous amount of work he did for the SWA he was also a great sounding board for me when I hit problems with my academic career and his advice was always spot on. The wargaming world has been privileged to have had such a man as David Barnes amongst its ranks and although he may have gone he will never be forgotten by those who have read his work. I doubt if he will rest in peace because he was always a 'doer' and where ever he may be he will undoubtedly have joined two or three committees. At the going down of the sun, We will remember him. Back to MWAN #101 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1999 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com