By Bill Martens It is with a heavy heart that we convey the passing of a trailblazer in the adventure gaming community, Gerald Marshall Moore, known to most people as Shay Addams. Gerald’s extraordinary journey, spanning 76 years, concluded...
By Bill Martens
It is with a heavy heart that we convey the passing of a trailblazer in the adventure gaming community, Gerald Marshall Moore, known to most people as Shay Addams. Gerald’s extraordinary journey, spanning 76 years, concluded tragically on December 8th, 2023, as a fire consumed the childhood home that had been witness to the chapters of his remarkable life.
Born in Manchester, GA, in 1946, Gerald was a man of diverse interests. Literature, writing, and exploration defined his essence. From his service in the US Navy to becoming a prominent journalist for publications such as Stone Age and High Times, Gerald’s influence extended well beyond the confines of any single domain.
Gerald’s roots sprawled across the United States and beyond, with residences in Atlanta, GA, Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona, New York, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. His unyielding curiosity even led him to explore the wonders of Egypt, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Yet, it was in the realms of computer journalism and adventure gaming that Gerald, donning the pen name Shay Addams, left an indelible mark. During the Eighties and Nineties, he authored best-selling books like ‘The Official Book of Ultima’ and ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator: The Authorized Pilot’s Guide.’ His monthly newsletter and magazine, ‘QuestBusters,’ stood as a guiding light for computer enthusiasts from 1984 to 1996.
Gerald’s intellectual brilliance and creativity were further evident in over 20 non-fiction books inspired by his experiences in Costa Rica from 1997 to 2006. His journey continued as he immersed himself in the Guatemalan highlands in 2007, dedicating himself to the study and research of the Mayan culture. Gerald’s passion for the Mayan civilization, nurtured since the age of 16, manifested in multiple books, including ‘Mayan Calendar Users Guide: How to Apply Mayan Astrology to Your Daily Life.’
Beyond his professional accolades, Gerald will be remembered for his distinctive personality, captivating narratives, and, most importantly, the impact he had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His memory lives on in the hearts and minds of family, friends, and the wider community.
Gerald leaves behind his sister, Barbara Ellis, children Jennifer Moore Cantero and Noel Moore, nephew Mark Ellis, granddaughters Ariel Baron and Stephanie Nelson, and great-grandchildren Skylar, Sir, and Serenity.
As we bid adieu to Shay Addams, let us reflect on and treasure the legacy of a man whose contributions have forever shaped the adventure gaming world and beyond.
