Rory had been working hard over the last several months to finish all of the ships at Trafalgar in 1/2400 scale for a game that was scheduled for October 21, Trafalgar Day and his birthday. He told me he had realized he would be in too much pain to play but hoped to watch his ships in play. A few days ago Jane sent me pictures of his last 3 ships almost done. He was too weak to type so he asked her to e-mail me.
Yesterday evening Jane let me know he was gone and asked if I would spread the word among the wargaming community. Along with a few others, I have done so where I could excepting TMP where I can't.
I don't know if many were aware that Rory was a barber-surgeon and traveled around the UK doing historical demonstrations at schools, faires and reenactments. He also authored a book on the subject.
Rory had the biggest heart of anyone I know and was generous to a fault. When I was just getting started building ships he pointed out (gently) that I was getting the rigging wrong. He didn't know me yet and still paid for and sent me Rod Langton's Rigging Guide book! Over the past six years he continued to gift me, not only with books he thought I would like including his own, but also with his knowledge and experience. He authored building and rigging guides for 1/1200 ships and allowed me to post them on this site. They still have the highest number of views out of all the posts on my blog.
Rory McCready, you were a prince among men, you had a generous soul, but most of all you were my friend. You are sorely missed!
10 comments:
I never met him in person, which is to my loss. But I really enjoyed his posts on various FB posts. His skill and productivity in churning our ships (and fleets) was excellent, and he always had something nice to say about everyone else's posts and modelling. I will miss him.
I never got to meet him either. I did enjoy our online conversations, though. Vol, you did him proud with this post.
Like Paul< I never had the opportunity to meet the gentleman in person but did admire his work and style from his social media. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
As a newcomer to gaming with sailing ships I feel I missed out on more interaction with Rory. I knew him from a few posts of encouragement on TMP and I could tell that he was someone with status and heart. I wish him peace and rest, and to his family and friends I wish comfort and support.
Condolences in his loss, joy in his memory.
Thanks Brian, yours is much more complete for not having known him. He would have enjoyed reading yours.
Miles, I never met him face to face either but we were friends all the same. For 6 years we talked about everything from ships to family, both hard times and good. We would trade photos of things we were working on to get the other's opinion or suggestions. I am really going to miss that!
Nicely said Stew, thank you. Lady Jane has the link to this blog and when she is ready I suspect she will come here to read what we have said about her Rory.
What a wonderful memorial to your friend and mine, he was my mentor, teacher and friend in his other life as an amazing and talented hairdresser, yes he was so generous, patient and kind. I for one am proud to have called him friend
He was the best friend. I do miss our conversations. Thank you Alex
Rory's funeral is tomorrow at 2 PM
If anyone would like to write something in his remembrance book here is the link:
https://www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk/tapper/funeral-search/20181227
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