but in reading the tributes, I just felt a need to stand up and say, yes, this man changed my life.

Yes, I own both 1st and 2nd edition books.
Yes, I have at least 5 full dice sets – wouldn’t want to mix up the vibes of the different characters?
Yes, I have had many discussions that used stats and alignments to explain other people’s and my own alignments.
Yes, I was a Dungeons and Dragons player. I still would be if I a) had a group and b) I had the time.

So to the man who invented the platonic solids as dice, hit points, and saving throws, thanks, man.