I heard the news about Gygax. I recently checked the Order of the Stick, and Rich Burlew (the comic's author) took a break from the current plotline to do a commemorative episode <
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0536.html>, especially relevant since the OOTS is heavily based off D&D. He says in his news post this week that although he's sure Gary was told it a lot, he wished he could have been there to say how much Gary revolutionized and inspired gaming. I never really thought before about how one person can revolutionize culture and inspire so many people with a game. I've read about people who give inspiring speeches or make enchanting art, but this is probably the first time I've heard of someone who created a game that revolutionized gaming.
I wonder what culture will be like 10-20 years from now if Icehouse Pyramids or Munchkin or Settlers of Catan expand their audience into the next generation of thinkers?