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Obituary: Veteran programmer and developer John Tessin

Veteran programmer and developer John Tessin has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

May 17, 2017

1 Min Read
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Veteran programmer and developer John Tessin has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 

The news was confirmed by his daughter Sally Tessin, who set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a proper burial after finding out his VA benefits would only cover a portion of funeral costs. 

We're pleased to report that the money has now been raised thanks to generous donations from friends and family. 

"My father, John Tessin passed away in his sleep on May 15, 2017," she explained. "Although he has been suffering with pancreatic cancer his death is a sudden shock that we all believed that we would have had more time together with him."

Tessin, who spent 13 years working at Sony Online Entertainment, is perhaps best known for his work on popular MMORPG, EverQuest II

It's clear he made a positive impact on the industry, and since learning of his passing friends and former colleagues have taken to social media to share some memories of their own. 

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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