The King has laid himself down(a tribute to Mr. Saggs)

Hello internetgoers,
I recently came across some distressing news, in fact here it is as I saw it:

Assyriologist who greatly influenced his students

Published: 26 December 2005

Henry William Frederick Saggs, Assyriologist: born 2 December 1920; Lecturer in Akkadian, School of Oriental and African Studies, London University 1953-62, Reader 1962-66; Professor of Semitic Languages, University College, Cardiff 1966-83 (Emeritus); married 1946 Joan Butterworth (four daughters); died Long Melford, Suffolk 31 August 2005.

H. W. F. Saggs was one of the great British Orientalists who were, in a sense, the product of the Second World War and the flourishing of Middle and Far Eastern Studies following the report of the 1945-46 Scarbrough Commission. He was to become one of the outstanding Assyriologists of his generation.

Article Length: 762 words (approx.)

Okay it is true that I didn't know Mr. Saggs personally, but I have read a number of his books including: Babylonians, The Might that was Assyria, and Civilization before Greece and Rome. In fact, I think it is fair to say that he more than anyone else is the person who got me interested in ancient Mesopotamia. Reading his book Babylonians on a family road trip as the sun rose glistening on the dew that covered Nebraska was a sublime experience for me. Saggs writing style always kept me eager to read on and learn more about the fascinating civilizations of Mesopotamia, and the near east. His expertise in the field clearly shines through in all he writes. His death is a great loss to the field of Assyriology and in my view, the world. I am honored that I have the same birthday as him. He may seem just like some obscure professor to most people, but to me he was someone who opened my eyes to a greater world. Although the man has died I'm sure his works will live on. As it says at the end of the Epic of Gilgamesh after Gilgamesh dies, the author tells the reader to examine his works, namely the walls of Uruk, "are they not of burnt brick and good". So I say to the reader of this at the death of Dr. Saggs, a Gilgamesh in his own right, examine his works, are they not also "of burnt brick and good" or in this case we will just say "good". Yes, this mighty king of Assyriology has joined Gilgamesh and Enkidu in the land of the shades, and like them deserves to be counted among the heroes of ancient Mesopotamia.