28 replies to this topic

[Noah Fentz]

Hello everyone,

 

I really can't believe I'm writing this today ...

 

It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I'm writing this. We have lost a an incredible, creative, and genuinely awesome member of our community today.

 

Rawd has passed away at the age of 51. 

 

I don't know the details, other than it happened this morning suddenly. If someone has more info, including where to send condolences, please share.

 

RIP, Rawd. I miss you, man. I wish we had never grown apart. 

[Gravy]

So sad, have known him since the early days of Future Pinball Forums. Terry mentioned it may have been a brain aneurysm but unsure at this stage.

Suggest that everyone goes and plays his fantastic free VR game "Trypophobia" (I think you may even spot Rawd sitting in the VR room) https://drive.google...0h_8uH6q79/view




Also a great singer. 

Edited by Gravy, 27 August 2026 - 04:05 AM.

[anthias]

Oh god. Rawd, buddy... You hadn't been dismissed yet. The world needed you mate. Rest in peace. We all miss you. Make sure the big guy upstairs has lots of pinball for us ok?

 

Struggling to process this today.

 

All taken so close together - Dolly, Tim and Rod. That's the three big names called to God's side this time around. You guys had better be having a doozy of a party up there.

[Flying Dutchman]

It is with great shock and sadness that we have to share the heartbreaking news that we have lost a truly remarkable man today.

 

He was incredibly creative, endlessly helpful, and always willing to share his knowledge, ideas, and time with others.

 

Within the Virtual Pinball community, he was deeply respected and appreciated — not only for what he created, but for the kindness and generosity he showed to so many people.

His creativity inspired others, his willingness to help made a difference, and his presence made our community a better place.

 

It is difficult to put into words how much he will be missed. His creations, his ideas, his knowledge, and above all, the person he was, will remain a lasting part of the community he helped shape.

 

Today, we don't just say goodbye to a talented creator and a highly valued member of our community. We say goodbye to someone who touched the lives of many of us.

Rest in peace, my friend. You will be deeply missed, and you will never be forgotten  .

Edited by Flying Dutchman, 27 August 2026 - 05:38 AM.

[jpsalas]

So sad. I'm not good with words, so I'll simply say we'll miss you, Rest in Peace.

[Thalamus]

Oh no, aweful news. Like JPS, not the best with words. He will be sorely missed. RIP Rawd.

[Itchigo]

Rawd was a great guy, who was always willing to help and impart knowledge to to others. I was lucky enough to call him my friend and hang with him at Todd (Tamoore's) parties. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his wife.

[Manel37Bcn]

I was shocked to hear the sad news about Rawd. Losing a fellow pinball enthusiast at 51 is a tragedy. He left his mark on this community and won't be forgotten. Rest in peace, friend. My prayers are with his family.

[rascal]

I think he was 55 years old, Noah, but still way too young. Great guy, and a good friend of mine for years. They discovered a brain aneurysm about two years ago and we suspect that it was that which caused his death yesterday. He posted a couple things in chat yesterday morning as usual, then his wife called me a few hours later and told me the news. He had big plans and so much to live for, I will miss him and so many people will miss him. RIP bro, I love you.

[The Loafer]

A day later I still cannot process this.  All I see is a curve ball coming that ends up hitting me right between the eyes. 

Rawd was not just prolific and innovative and a legend, but above all he was a great guy to just shoot the shit with.  I wish real life demands hadn't taken me away from the regular discussions we had, today there's a lot of regret to deal with because of that reality.

RIP my friend.  Sincere condolences to his wife/family and his daily super close friends at BBB.  

[strangeleo72]

Rest in Peace Rawd... my condolences to the family and friends.... 

[TerryRed]

Many of us are still in shock by this. I was just chatting with Rod about lots of things the prior few days before his death. One of the most fun dudes you could ever know.

 

 

RAWD wasn't active with FP in recent years, but he always wondered what his old FP Spy vs Spy table would be like with modern updates for FizX physics, BAM lighting, shadows, and more. I took an evening to do that very thing in 2025 and passed the results to RAWD, much to his delight.
 
I couldn't help but think that updating this mod of his table, like I do my other PinEvent Lite releases, would be my own way of remembering him and hoping others can know part of him in some way.

 

I uploaded the table here for those who may be curious:

 

https://www.vpforums...&showfile=19912

 

RIP RAWD (Rod). You will be missed by many.

[rascal]

I need to make a correction to Rawd's age that I posted. Noah was correct Rawd was only 51 years old, which makes his death that much more tragic. I'm sorry for the confusion, everybody should live as long as me and become confused like me too. Love ya Rawd, and I'm sorry that I messed up your birthday age.

Edited by rascal, 28 August 2026 - 03:56 PM.

[Robsoie]

51 years old is still young in our time.

I pray he is at peace in Heaven and enjoy the best pinball ever.

My condolences to his family and friends.

[Itchigo]

Here's an older picture of Rawd and Rascal (Rawd is on the left).

[unclewilly]

You will be missed. I'm in shock. We are the same age and it's got me think8ng a lot about my own mortality.
Rawd and I did so much together in the early vp8 and 9 days. Huge loss to the community

[Spektre]

RIP Rawd.  It was good when it was good buddy.

[bolt]

Rest in Peace Rawd. My condolences to the family.

[Mrhide]

way too early. RIP Rawd

[Wiliamo]

I don't post often. I haven't built a pincab yet. But this news still hurts. I recognize people like Rawd make this community what is is. I want to take a moment to thank all the developers, past and present, for their tremendous work and dedication. Enjoy life to the fullest. My sincere condolences to Rawds friends and family.