The prolific video game composer and orchestrator Stan LePard has passed away. He was known for his work on Guild Wars 2,, Hello series and more.
The news was shared by LePard friend and colleague Maclaine Diemer on Twitter on Monday, February 15th. Diemer revealed that LePard passed away unexpectedly last week.
“Knowing him helped me shape and change the course of my life and my music. It was a big part of my work for @ GuildWars2, with my own musical contribution to the game, ”Diemer said.
I am deeply saddened to say this last week, my friend and colleague @stanlepard passed away unexpectedly. Knowing him helped me shape and change the course of my life and my music. It was an important part of my job @ GuildWars2, in addition to his own musical contribution to the game. pic.twitter.com/F8SxGs99EQ
– Maclaine Diemer (@maclainediemer) February 14, 2021
Diemer added: “His departure is a huge loss for his family, friends and the audio game community in Seattle. I am setting up a donor fund for his family and I will post more details here when I get them. Thank you, Stan, for everything you’ve done for me. I will miss you very much. ”
In addition to his contributions Guild Wars 2, LePard has also worked on a number of other well – known titles and franchises such as Halo Reach, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo Wars, Fate, Fabula II, Scarlet Sky, Age Of Empires III: Asian Dynasties, Age of Mythology and much more.
After Diemer’s announcement of LePard’s death, an official Guild Wars 2 Twitter account he paid tribute to the late composer, saying: “We are so saddened to hear that Stan has passed away and grateful for all that his music has brought to the world of Tyria. Thank you, @stanlepard. ”
We are so sad when we hear that Stan has passed away and we are grateful for all that his music has brought to the world of Tyria. Thank you, @stanlepard. https://t.co/3opLjaU3Ow
– Guild Wars 2 (@ GuildWars2) February 14, 2021
Fellow composer Jon Everist, who worked with LePard Battletech, also paid tribute to the late composer on Twitter. “RIP to my friend Stan, who was also an orchestrator BATTLETECH (and many others) and a talented composer, keyboardist and just a good person. I will always think about BATTLETECH sessions in Budapest as one of the best times of my life, “he said.
RIP with my friend Stan, who was also an orchestrator for BATTLETECH (and many others) and a talented composer, keyboardist and just a good person. I will always think of the BATTLETECH sessions in Budapest as one of the best times of my life. Https://t.co/lgxkN50Mt8 pic.twitter.com/j7YMMrFWoU
– Jon Everist 🗯 (@JonEverist) February 14, 2021
Outside of the gaming industry, Stan LePard was also known for composing installation music ‘Out Of The Box Experience’ for Windows XP. He was also the keyboardist for a Seattle-based soul-funk band, Planet Fly. The band paid tribute to him on Facebook, saying LePard “was a beast with keys, but more than that, dear gentle soul”.
“Sending prayers to his family and everyone who knew him. The apartment definitely blows him out the window with the musical angels, ”they wrote.