Tribute to my friend Anton.

Anton with the Blue shirt.Helping kids at the paint and take at Flintcon

I have the pleasure of being Anton's (John T) friend since the mid 70's.  Working at the famouse Squadron Shop in Madison Heights Michigan is where I first met him. Anton was still in high at that time.  At that time he was into building armor kits.  Later on he became a fellow squadron Shop employee.  Being a little old when Anton we hit it off pretty good.  Shortly there after he got introduced to Historical wargaming.  Be already a D&D  player he took to wargaming like a fish to water.  At the squadron shop Rob Krause the Store Manager put on a GHQ micro armor battle.

  Anton when crazy as he had a blast destroying allied tanks with his tiny Italian tanks. Because the expert player forgot that if you get close to an Italian it will bite you bad.    From this Anton and I expended into all kinds of miniature wargame.   From WRG, to Empire 2, Stars & Bars civil war rules.   I think it was around 1978 we and our gaming group re-fought the battle of Gettysburg.  It tooks us months to paint the figures.  Building the gaming table took up our friend Lenny whole basement.  After placing some brigades on  15mm figures it was realized that the table had to be strengthen.  The group decided to play on the 4th of July weekend.   Well after the weekend pasted we had not completed the first days battles.   Stars & Bars was not a fast play rule set.  The decision was made to keep going a couple weekends a month.  It wasn't until late October or early November we finished.

   Over the year Anton has played other players out.  Be it some painted figures, terrain and what ever is needed.  He always there to help.  Like in the picture helping out the future gamers.  To some it seem like it is a waste of their time.  But Anton's dedication to the hobby is inspiring kids and young adults.   Besides all this he is known to put games at his home two, three times a week,


This is why I call him my best friend.  He is always there for his fellow gamers and friend.   John I am honored to be your friend and gaming buddy!

Oldsarge