In all the years I've played Aces High I've only ever meet 2 players in real life....Rodders was one of those.
He lives down south from me. 100 or so miles away and he had to attend a seminar in Brum (Birmingham).
He actually made a point of dropping in when passing my home town on the way up. As these things go it's like a gay blind date meeting for the first time. We both felt a little uncomfortable in this situation but got past it and even had a laugh about it. He was around 6 feet tall, a little stocky in his early 50's. In his prime and even today he had the stature that would make you think twice before taking him on but Rodders didn't exhibit an ounce of malice about his persona. He struck me as an amiable chap and all about the good times. A fun bloke.
I enjoying him regaling some of his memories as a chieftain tank commander. Working his way to that position from a driver having spent time in every position in the crew. There's something to be said about that right there. From the ground up so's to speak. A quality in application we can all admire.
John (Rodders) did confide in me about his up and down health issues which had affected him and had repercussions in his home life for some years. It's very very sad that he's gone but this torment is over. I wish him well as he travels in the light.
My deepest sympathies to his wife Maggie, his children and his grand child that he clearly loved dearly...I am sorry for your lose and the sad days ahead.
