Guild Wars 2 Wiki:Wynthyst memorial

In Memory of Wynthyst

We at ArenaNet were saddened to learn of the passing of Wynthyst, a vital member of the Guild Wars community.

Wynthyst was an active member of the wikis, where she played an active role as contributor and then administrator. She was passionate about wikis and her passion was contagious. Wynthyst interacted a lot with ArenaNet on the Guild Wars wiki and her work over the years was recognized with the creation of an NPC in the Zaishen Menagerie who represented her love of animals (birds in particular). She continued her work on the Guild Wars 2 wiki, always with the same unstoppable energy and cheerfulness.

After a while, she decided to level up her dedication to wikis by taking up an offer to work with Curse.com on their official wikis. As busy as she was, Wynthyst continued to talk and offer advice from time to time to folks in the Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 wiki communities. In the words of the Gamepedia team , "She was an irreplaceable part of our team and community and will be missed immensely."

In memory of Wynthyst, ArenaNet built a new grave in the Stronghold of Ebonhawke cemetery, where a drakehound and a tamable juvenile lynx stand respectfully nearby.

The inscription reads:

Thyst, 1277-1327

Tireless scribe and friend to animals

She left her mark on Tyria

and is now at peace in the Mists

Words in her memory

Feel free to leave a few words in the memory of Wynthyst. Whether memories or thoughts, please be respectful and make sure to leave your name, whenever possible and appropriate. Thank you.

• Rest in peace, Wynthyst. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family you left behind. A lot of the influence, history, and direction of the wiki over the nearly 9-10 years since GW 1 has become such because of your efforts. Your legacy will always live on in the Guild Wars Universe. --Malchior Devenholm (talk) 18:40, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• I think it is safe to say that no other individual had a greater impact on the Guild Wars community than Wynthyst. Wyn always had a lot of irons in the fire, and her passion and dedication were infectious. Among many other things, Wyn was instrumental in helping the original GuildWiki transition from wikia to Curse, a move that we sorely needed. Though I never met her in person, I considered Wynthyst a friend, and I will miss her. 18:50, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• I will always remember my first contact with Wynthyst, as I was just appointed Wiki Liaison at the beginning of 2011. It was an intense period of discussion for the wiki community and she was drafting a message about this to the studio. She contacted me to tell me about this, and her words were kind and encouraging. She also introduced me to a lot of people and wiki processes. When she joined Curse, we also had a quick chat where she told me how glad she was of having been part of the Guild Wars wiki community and how excited she was with her new job. I've always enjoyed talking to her as I could feel and share her passion for wikis. When I shared the news in the studio, a few people remembered her fondly from the work she did with them in Guild Wars. --Stephane Lo Presti talk 18:54, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• Rest peacefully somewhere in the mists. My condolences go out to all her friends and family, lots of strength in these difficult times. I remember Wynthyst as a kind, passionate and helpful person, with a sense of justice in every decision she made. Although I didn't speak often with her over the years, she was and still is an incredible part of the Guild Wars (Wiki) community. -- Cyan 19:25, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• In my few years of editing the wikis, Wyn and I only conversed a few times. Going back through my talk archives, it looks like she helped me with image-formatting and rebuked me for mishandling a vandalism situation. And yet, I remember her name well. Wyn cared deeply about the wiki, its content and organization, and most importantly, its community. Thanks, Wyn.-- shew|make 19:28, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• Although I had a rocky relationship with Wynthyst, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate her legacy, and count myself lucky for having known an extraordinary individual. Very few other individuals in the entire history of Guild Wars have come close to matching Wyn's passion for the game - let alone the wiki - and probably no other single name is as widely known, both within the community and elsewhere. Whether she was loved or hated, Wyn wasn't a stranger to anyone, and her edit history covered everything from mundane userpage formatting to serious policy discussions. Seldom has one user had such a far-reaching impact; the Guild Wars community, and Curse, are poorer for her absence. I look forward to seeing more Wyns in the future, but they are big shoes to fill. Vili 点 20:14, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• Wyn was, for a time, a very close online friend. She was instrumental in pushing for me to get my post as moderator on Guild Wars Guru, the memory of which time I will always treasure. I remember meeting up with her in GW once, after one of her run-ins with the wiki hierarchy. As she was so sad, I gave her a rose - that crappy offhand that was related to Gwen's story. I said to her, "don't be sad, it's just the wiki clique - you know what they can be like." "Yes," she wailed, "but I thought I was part of the clique." That was Wyn, passionate, stubborn and focused. I shall miss her always. — snograt 20:38, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• This is my first memory of Wyn. She said she hoped to become a productive member of the wikis. It didn't take her long to become one of our most valued editors, in everything from user pages, to new articles, images, adminship, policy, community. She gave advice and provided help to people who asked for it, and to people who didn't ask but needed it. After we fell out, she was gracious enough to invite me to join her new wiki projects; I'm glad we were able to smooth over some rough patches. When I think back over Wyn's time on GWW, there are certain fond memories that come to the forefront. Discussing icons and templates in the early hours of the morning. Worrying about the feedback namespace and licenses. Simply chatting in the Guild Hall. Playing through elite missions. Levelling up dervishes together in Istan.
  Thank you, Wyn. I'll miss you. pling 22:04, 1 July 2014 (UTC)

• Wyn was one of the most dedicated editors I've seen in my time on wikis, helping out wherever she could, and trying to help even where she couldn't. I remember most about her efforts at standardising pages and her tireless effort on the old guild pages. This is a great loss. Thank you Wyn. -- ab.er.rant 17:38, 3 July 2014 (UTC)

• Though we only spoke on occasion, Wyn was a huge inspiration to me in terms of beginning projects and other forms of editing on the GWW. She put up with my--at that time--near-childish naivity with the patience and understanding of a seasoned editor, and I truly did consider her a friend, even despite our communications rarely extending beyond guild page policy. Without her patient guidance and support, I would not have been nearly as involved with the GWW community as I was. I will always consider her a truly valuable contributor, and friend, and will miss her dearly. -- Traveler (talk) 07:41, 1 August 2014 (UTC)

• Wynthyst, was a great wiki editor even if I didn't see the wiki working the same way that she did. I missed her editing when she left gw2w for other projects and will continue to miss her contribution to our community. It was very obvous that she had a very strong passion for Guild Wars, like many of us here on the wiki. she is and will be missed.- Zesbeer 21:17, 11 August 2014 (UTC)

• Wynthyst was the very first friend I ever made on GW wiki or on any wiki and got me into wiki editing. If it were not for her welcoming and encouraging words, I would not have stayed at it. As a result, my love of the GW wiki and wikis in general grew massively and I am now a user on several wikis and use wikis extensively in general in my day to day life. Thankyou so much Wyn, I will miss you dearly darling. Titan Crow 23:06, 26 August 2014 (UTC)

• Wynthyst was one of a few editors from GW1 Wiki whose signatures are seared onto my brain because I clung to their every word. I was too shy and self-conscious to ever edit on the GW1 Wiki or talk to the editors I looked up to, though I had an account and spent hours pouring over talk pages and wiki code. Her comments stood out as eloquent and helpful; everytime I saw her on a talk page I got the sense she was coming from a place not of ego but of caring for the community. When I heard about her passing today, I was filled with a deep regret that I never got to work with her or tell her that she inspired me. I'll say it now for what it's worth: Thanks for inspiring me to code outside my wheelhouse, Wynthyst. My deepest sympathies to those who really got to be her friend, and to her family. -Kymtastic (talk) 22:22, 10 September 2014 (UTC)

• Wyn was like a circle: tangent to an infinite number of other people's lives, touching each only shortly. And yet she made each contact count. She deserves respect for being the person she managed to be despite facing perhaps the most difficult of all social communities to deal with: gamers. Thank you for also shining your light on me, Wyn. - Y0_ich_halt 00:12, 25 September 2014 (UTC)

• I am at a loss of words upon reading about Wyn's passing. She was one of those beautiful souls that worked tirelessly for the wiki project simply because she loved doing it. She could get stressed out and she could get stretched thin, but she was only human; to say that her positive, helpful, and cheery demeanor has affected many of us along the way is to speak the simple truth. You will be missed, Wyn. Thank you for all that you've done for the community and the individuals that comprise it. --Riddle 14:23, 14 November 2014 (UTC)

• The mark of a Great person (with a capital G) is the depth of their footprints in the Sands of Time and Wyn left a tremendous impact on both GW1's wiki and sometimes on GW1 itself. She contributed to the wiki at an extraordinary level: she worked on macro projects, e.g. midwifing the creation of a Feedback namespace allowing the community to present ideas to ANet; she contributed gory details, for example ensuring that each article on profession-specific gear was complete and accurate; and she did scut work, such as keep the Guild namespace as clean as one person could manage. It is safe to say that the look, feel, and thoroughness of GWW would not be the same without her efforts. Further, as can be seen from the notes above, her impact extended to mentoring scores of wiki newbies, some of whom are now wiki veterans at GW2W and elsewhere. She will long be remembered. – Tennessee Ernie Ford (TEF) 02:20, 9 December 2014 (UTC)

• This is truly sad and unexpected news, I've literally just found this out! :( I knew Wyn from GWG Auctions and of course the original guild wars wiki, she was a huge inspiration and mentor when I needed support on them both. For all her family and friends may her spirit and soul rest within the mists of Tyria forever. <3 --Find And Seek 03:48, 17 January 2015 (UTC)

• I only spoke to Wyn on occasion back when I was into the GW1 wiki, but she was a huge part of what makes our community so special. She will be remembered, and she will be missed. -- Amantis - 17:44, 17 January 2015 (UTC)

• You are treasured forever, dear one. I never forgot when you took my hand when I arrived at the GW1 Wiki, teaching me the wiki arcana and building my user page to the envy of many. You protected me from those who tried to undermine my events and reputation, and not once did you ask for anything in return. I am proud to perpetually stand as your friend. Wynn, you are eternal. The Snowman you helped build, Frozenwind (talk) 03:39, 25 April 2015 (UTC)

• You will be remembered forever darling. You have been important to us for over 250 years, and many Tyrians will never know just how much you did for us and our events. A candle burns for you tonight at my window. May you be at peace and may Grenth watch over you. Mad Queen Malafide (talk)

• My first memories of Wyn was when she came to work at the now gone Talk City. We would laugh for hours while working she had a drive and compassion unmatched by anyone I know. Later we reunited when my daughter and I started blade Radio and Wyn and I picked back up where we were with our friendship as if there was no lapse. Wyn had that rare ability to show she cared, giving of herself and thank goodness for her humor. Rest in peace my friend, you are missed. (Anonymous)

• Im absolutely heartbroken at only just now finding out this news. For a good year and a half i have been waiting for a reply to a message i sent her on sent on GW2, And now i know why i never received a reply. After making contact through email in 2013 and organising to meet up after a year of not playing, i was excited to again be apart of her Guild like i was for many years, and still am, in GW1. I first met Wyn when i was on a journey to craft my first set of 15k armour. Here i was almost begging for someone to send me some damask in Drocknars Forge, until Wyn messaged me saying "You shouldn't beg like that... just ask the right person for help :)", Followed by enough damask to craft my armour. It was from that moment she began teaching me the ways to play the game properly, helping me trade items between my two accounts, and holding onto items that i couldn't fit in my inventory then trading them back to me when i needed them. She became an in-game mother to me, as i was just a teenager back then. She was a friend with great advice and would put her Wiki page work on hold just to help me out in game. I remember the last time we played together, She was helping me attempt the Titan mission in Ascalon.. which we failed multiple times. Eventually we both gave up but she noted that one day we would get it done! :'). Such a tragic loss of a dear friend and a beautiful soul. Today i sat in front of my computer, determined to track her down once again and reignite out friendship, only to find she has passed away. It feels nostalgic to remember the days hanging out in the Guild Hall, knowing your character would always be sitting there while you worked. For countless hours we would chat at all hours of the morning, reminiscing about the Anet Nurfed days and discussing game tactics. Rest In Peace my beautiful natured friend. You will be forever cherished and forever missed. -- Love From Elektra Windwhisper (27th of July, 2015)

• I never met Wynthyst since I'm a newer player, so I was unaware this had happened at the time. nevertheless since I found this article I only feel that it's appropriate to offer my respects. That being said..thank you for your contributions Wynthyst, and may you rest in peace. (ShinigamiSama; 9/16/15)

• Wyn, you will always be remembered. My absolute sincerest condolences go out to your family. You made an incredible impression upon the Guild Wars community, and your contributions shall always be highly valued for what you have done. Thank you for everything. My favourite quote of yours will always be the one on my GW1 user page: "That's why your monobook.js is 100 timers larger than anyone else's in the history of the world." May you rest in peace. -- Lacky 04:47, 27 February 2016 (UTC)

• Wynthyst and I mostly disagreed and argued and did not have the best relation, but I have always respected her contributions to this community, and I wish I was less of an asshole to her at the time. RIP - Mini Me 15:20, 17 May, 2016 (UTC) 15:20, 17 May 2016 (UTC)

• I first 'met' Wyn shortly after the release of Factions. She was part of an alliance, the leader of which was impressed with my family's guild's laid-back style and we were recruited by him. Not too long after that, she was booted over some drama we didn't really get the details on, and our guild soon followed when the central guild tried to cannibalize our roster. We remained friendly with Wyn and eventually allied with her guild Gems of Destiny.

We'd play together often. I remember raging a lot when she'd charge forward Rurik-style while I hung back trying to pull and we'd all wipe. I remember her getting her first Tormented weapon, a scythe she was very proud of. I'd probably never have gotten through DoA, UW, or FoW, or finished vanquishing without her help. I remember her being quite happy when I started helping out the GW1 wiki, with the new Wintersday events connected with EotN.

I'd see her less after that, as she devoted time more to the other game she was running the wiki for. I hoped she'd return with the release of GW2, but that was not to be. Tyria is a lonely place without her. SarielV 16:33, 17 May 2016 (UTC)

• Wyn was a gift to us, and helped me grow into a better person when I was stubborn and when times were bleak. I remember you being as one of the mightiest pillars of GWW and not a day went by where you didn't prove it over and over again.

My only regret was that it took me this long to write something to you. --Neil • 15:22, 14 January 2018 (UTC)

• Wyn , you will be greatly missed! Thank you for all your contributions on the Wiki & on GW Guru. (sorry for the delayed message) --Life Infusion «T» 00:33, 19 July 2018 (UTC)

• wyn was a pillar of the community and an immense source of knowledge and help she will be sorely missed

• <3

Notes

The Guild Wars Wiki has an article on Guild Wars Wiki:Wynthyst memorial.

• Wynthyst (Salli Trandem) unexpectedly passed away from heart failure on May 14, 2014 at the age of 50 in her Minneapolis home.