Artist Keith Parkinson Passes Away

[Cantatus]

We at EQTraders would like to express our condolences to the friends and family of Keith Parkinson. Parkinson passed away Oct. 26th after a 16 month battle with leukemia at the age of 47. A notable fantasy artist, he designed the first three EverQuest boxes, and was also the inspiration behind EQ’s original art style. More currently, he worked as the art director at Sigil Games Online, working on the upcoming Vanguard: Sage of Heroes MMORPG. It’s always sad when a person’s life is stolen away at a young age. Parkinson’s contributions to the fantasy world are unquestionable, and he will not be forgotten.

• Keith Parkinson's Official Website
• Keith's Sigil Bio

• Donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• National Marrow Donor Program

- The EQTraders Staff

[Xianeth]

*raises a glass in toast to a wonderful artist*

[Oonah]

My condolences to the Parkinson family

As saddened as I am to hear of Keith Parkinson's passing I am cheered that we have such a wealth of artwork to keep his memory alive.

My introduction to Keith's artwork was via the covers of Katharine Kerr's Deverry novels. KP seemed the one artist who had actually read the books and could grab one incident from the novel and with his ability have you remember all the nuances of Kerr's writing.

His slide show of dragons graced my desktop for many, many moons.

THEN I discovered Everquest LOL.

Losing a loved one at an early age is difficult, I still remember calling my mother-in-law to tell her that her beloved only son had just dropped dead of a heart attack at age 40! Trying to maintain strength and manage my own grieving without falling into the morass of other family members grief was traumatic experience.

It is definitely possible to come out of the grief, it may take a few years, yet your life will go on and continue being enriched by KP's art and memories.

My sincere hugs and thoughts are with KP's survivors.

Oonah

[Verdandi]

My very first impression of Everquest was the poster that became the original game box artwork. A friend in beta had it, and eventually gave me a spare she acquired somehow. I love that poster; it reminds me of those heady days when Norrath was an enormous world full of infinite possibility and adventures. And, as it turns out, friends. It's now properly mounted and framed and hanging over my computer desk, where it reminds me to quit getting caught up in little frustrations and remember to enjoy the ride.

*bows her head and mourns the loss of a truly great artist*

[Ghaundar]

A great artist.....and a nice guy........

I met Keith Parkinson on several occasions, at several GenCons, back when they were in Milwaukee every year. I had enjoyed his work before these occasions, and I enjoyed his work much more after having met him.....the man was just plain nice. I talked to him for some time, about fantasy art in general, his work in particular, and also about my own small attempts at painting miniatures. Always polite, pleasant and friendly. Luckily, I was able to obtain a few bits of his work.
It's always sad to lose a wonderful talent.......but it's always worse to lose a fine human being. My heartfelt condolences go to Keith's family.

Ghaundar.....and Mark, the player behind him