I was fortunate today to come across a great YouTube video from the depths of Facebook and I couldnt believe how refreshing it was. I use the term refreshing, purely, because of how much hate and horrible things we see on a day to day basis and it can be easy to forget alot of the good things. It’s thanks to videos like this one today, that shows there’s still alot of good out there, even if we have to search for it, it’s there!
As you’ll know, recently, Robin Williams sadly passed away and Blizzard wanted to remember him, by adding a memorial in-game and chose to remember him from his much loved character, Genie from Aladdin. But if you thought this was an awesome tribute only extended to Blizzard employees or famous stars, you’ll be hugely mistaken, as I was too.
Matt Kelley has kindly shared this video, and it briefly tells us about his longtime friend Todd, who sadly died from ALS last year. As they were both keen players of World of Warcraft, Matt felt it was only fitting, that he’d try and get a tribute in honor of his dear friend in-game and thankfully, Blizzard came through and made a permanent memorial for Todd.
Situated in the harbor of Stormwind, stands a level 51 engineer by the name of Todd Borden. Todd was 51 when he passed away and was an engineer by trade. He also loved playing the bass guitar and had interests in sport. Blizzard have also incorperated a guitar and some soccer balls and baseballs to signify this.
I thought this was absolutely amazing and a very nice gesture from Blizzard. I know that this post is somewhat different than what I usually post, but I felt it deserved to be shared to you all, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to see something like this. Thank you to Matt for sharing with us all. There are many other in-game tributes if you wish to check them out, please click here.
Thanks for reading.
Rest in Peace Todd Borden.
Todd was my brother. I was doing a search just now to be able to send a link the cousins and such for the YouTube video. Your piece came up at the top of the search.
Thank you for your post. If you knew him you would have loved him. He was just that sort of relaxed, non-judgemental, super nice guy. Smartest person I’ve ever known but never bragged about a single thing. He introduced me to DnD before 1st edition ever came out back in the 70s.
So yeah, you’re right in what you said. In this world full of angst/selfishness/craziness, he was never a player in that realm. I know you were referring to blogs and such but the message comes through the same. There are stars out there. We just need to be able to see them.
Hello Dan. I wasnt fortunate enough to have known Todd, but from Mel, Matt and your words, it helps us to understand and appreciate who Todd was and how dear he was to you all.
When I’m in Stormwind next and approaching the harbor, I can now relate to Todd Borden and all that’s thanks to you Mel and Matt. Without the video, without you sharing your memories and lovely words, we’d not know who Todd really was, but thankfully you had the strength to!
I’m trully sorry for your loss and hope you can take comfort from the memories of him. I’m sure he’s up there watching down on you guiding you every step of the way.
Regards,
Graham.
Reblogged this on dbordensite.
Pingback: In-Game Memorial to Todd Borden – dbordensite
Thank you for sharing. I was fortunate enough to become one of Todd’s friends. He wad kind, patient, had a good sense of humor, and a wonderful soul. Gamers understand just how special and unique these friendships are, and the helpless hurt that comes from losing those we have come to care about. It will be great to be able to go give Todd a hug, and know he is forever watching over us in game.
Hello Mel, I wasnt fortunate enough to have met Todd, but thanks to the video and to your words above, I can appreciate what a nice person Todd was. It’s one of the main reasons why I love gaming, as you get to meet a lot of people, people you wouldnt have the chance to meet, due to being in different countries and share in acheivements, adventures etc.
Being able to give Todd a hug in-game, well that’s priceless. I cant even imagine what you’re all going through, but I’m reassured to know that Blizzard have given you all something to remember Todd and visit him whenever you wish. Thanks again for your words Mel.
Thanks for the kind words, Graham. It took me a dozen tries to make the video without losing it & I really only intended to share it with immediate friends & guild pals. It’s incredibly humbling to get so many hundreds of likes & shares, and dozens of insightful comments on the WoW Facebook page…and from you. Again, hats off to Blizzard for this very rare & wonderful tribute to a loyal player who was taken from us far too soon.
I cant begin to imagine your loss Matt, but I know from your words here and from within your video, that he was a very dear and close friend to you.
What Blizzard and yourself have done here is nothing short of amazing and I’m so happy that you and Todd’s family can have something within World of Warcraft to remember him by. I will definitely be creating an Alliance character and visiting Todd too, to pay my respects.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for helping us understand and fully appreciate the life of Todd Burden.