http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2009/04/rip-dave-arneso.html
He was most responsible for the nuts and bolts of D&D. A lot of the behind the scenes rules we use in a lot of our games, where based on his original ideas. It's sad that he grew estranged from D&D but still he had a huge impact, even if he wasn't as well known as Gary Gygax.
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We have to thank this guy for all the influence d&d has had on games.