He will truly be missed.

Posted by: Kandy at July 20, 2005 09:29 AM

Although I wish he hadn't died at all, Mr. Doohan died on the anniversary of the first Moon landing. For an actor who inspired so many to go into the space-related professions, what could be more appropriate?

Posted by: Alex the Bold at July 20, 2005 09:35 AM

He was my favorite from TOS.....it's a sad day in the universe.

Posted by: bravehrt8 at July 20, 2005 09:35 AM

All I can say is that a great man has been lost to this world, and he will be missed very much.

Posted by: bwood415 at July 20, 2005 09:38 AM

I agree with Alex. That's not a bad date.

That being said, it's very sad. He seemed like such a vibrant person.

Posted by: MaraJade at July 20, 2005 09:44 AM

He also died on the anniversary of the first Mars probe landing. A fitting tribute, I think.

He, like many of the Star Trek cast, was an inspiration to an uncountable multitude. I do feel like I lost a friend. He will be missed.

Posted by: Bubby at July 20, 2005 09:50 AM

I can not know what his collegues are feeling, the people that worked with him for decades, the people that knew him as a part of the Star Trek family.. A legend has passed into our fondest memories and dreams, and that my friends is immortality.

Posted by: Bytor at July 20, 2005 09:51 AM

I always thought that when you wore a red top and beamed down onto a planet you'd get killed. Scotty never did so in the end I decided he was immortal or something.

The news today has sadly proved me wrong but I'm sure he will live on in our memories forever.

Posted by: RTA at July 20, 2005 10:04 AM

I am at a loss for words.
Good bye Scotty, I'll miss you.

Posted by: carthies at July 20, 2005 10:10 AM

Mr. Scott, the word is given.

Posted by: iceberg at July 20, 2005 10:13 AM

Scotty was my favorite ToS character. Pneumonia and Alzheimer's are not how you should have gone out, but I will remember you.

Posted by: AmiNTT at July 20, 2005 10:15 AM

Farewell James, you will be sadly missed.

Posted by: griff at July 20, 2005 10:20 AM

Scotty was The Best. How many of us owe our choice of going to Engineering college partly because of his performance on Star Trek. Sad to see him go, more sad he died of Alzheimers.

Posted by: Big Bob at July 20, 2005 10:22 AM

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jimmy in my capacity of sign language interpreter at a Star Trek con in Chicago several years ago. I don't think Jimmy thought of anyone as just a fan. He loved spending time with them and treated each person as if they were a long-lost friend, including me. On Saturday night, Jimmy hosted a dinner for the fans, dressed in full Scottish regala. He patiently posed for pictures with each individual attendee and with groups. When it was the security team's turn for a photo, they asked me to join them. Quite an honor. Jimmy saw me coming and called for me to stand next to him. He put his arm around my shoulders, his other arm around another woman from the security team. Just as everyone smiled for the camera, it failed. The photographer apologized and said the batteries had died...it would take a few minutes to replace them. Jimmy just grinned and in that famous burr said, "It's alright, laddie. I've got a beautiful woman in each arm. Hell, take your time!" That broke everyone up. I will miss his wonderful sense of humor and gentle spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Posted by: VoxyLady at July 20, 2005 10:34 AM

Farewell Jimmy. We will miss you.

Posted by: Governor Rocknar at July 20, 2005 10:38 AM

Indeed, he has boldly gone where nobody has gone before ... Perhaps he will see his friend again,
DeForest Kelley... Bless 'em both.

Posted by: aquilo at July 20, 2005 10:56 AM

He was an extremely talented actor in whom were many performances that we never got to see. How I wish that the practice of type casting had died today instead of him.

Posted by: Regulus at July 20, 2005 10:58 AM

We'll miss you Jimmy...

Godspeed...

Posted by: Toast at July 20, 2005 11:16 AM

A friend of mine who met Mr. Doohan at a con was just telling me what a sweet guy he was. Sad.

Posted by: Oy Vader at July 20, 2005 11:22 AM

I'd say something more, but everyone above me here has said it all.

RIP James M. Doohan

Set phasers for remembering one of the true greats.

Posted by: Eric in PA at July 20, 2005 11:22 AM

"It's Green!"

Thank you, James Doohan, your work is much appreciated!

Posted by: drewzhrodague at July 20, 2005 11:32 AM

Let us all toast a glass of Romulan ale to the best Scotsman that was never a Scotsman.

"Relics" was one of the most sentimental, heart-felt episodes of TNG - a Trek fan's episode, a Scotty episode, a testament of the human need to hold on.

Posted by: Low-Key at July 20, 2005 11:34 AM

Jimmy Doohan was the first Trek star I met, many years ago, and he was infinitely kind to a very intimidated young girl. He introduced me to the other con guests that were around, and gave me enough confidence that I felt okay being in such a foreign environment (what did I know about cons? I just liked the show).

Years later, I would run into him on occasion while working in Redmond, and he was still just as kind. I know it's redundant to say, but he will be missed.

Posted by: loiosh at July 20, 2005 11:39 AM

When I first heard about it, I wrote a little something for him..

http://www.livejournal.com/users/nemfx/2005/07/20/

Posted by: NemFX at July 20, 2005 11:40 AM

James was also the first Trek star I met -- actually the only so far -- but he came across as just a friendly guy sitting next to you at the corner greasy spoon.

I don't remember much of what we talked about, but I've held onto his memory and autograph for the last 20 years, and I'll continue to cherish not only that moment, but everything that he inspired me to do.

Posted by: ak_hepcat at July 20, 2005 11:51 AM

I remember meeting Jimmy Doohan when I was 13 years old in at a Star Trek convention in a hotel in Des Moines, IA. He let all the kids sit in the area between the stage and the regular seating. When Q and A time came around, he passed the microphone to all the kids in the front so they could ask him silly kid questions. I can't remember what I asked him; I'm 25 now, but the kindness he presented to the kids at that convention was a step above HOLLYWOOD. I'm not a "trekkie" or "trekker", but I certainly recognize the uniqueness of the original "Star Trek" TV series. I still have that autograph he gave me, a young, eager, dorky kid from Iowa. He will always be remembered...

Posted by: Thresa_ at July 20, 2005 11:56 AM

I think that this piece by Eric Burns is one of the best eulogies for Mr. Doohan possible from someone who wasn't a close friend. http://www.websnark.com/archives/2005/07/requiescat_in_p.html

Posted by: roninkakuhito at July 20, 2005 12:02 PM

I was also fortunate enough to meet him at a Chicago convention. He seems like he was a remarkable man.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/mazerrakhm/78856.html

Posted by: mazerrakhm at July 20, 2005 12:02 PM

I was also fortunate enough to meet him at a Chicago convention. He seems like he was a remarkable man.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/mazerrakhm/78856.html

Posted by: mazerrakhm at July 20, 2005 12:03 PM

Iceberg, you made me tear up. Damn.

Posted by: karmelrio at July 20, 2005 12:08 PM

I learned that an engineer wasn't just the guy on trains because of him. :) He was probably one of the main influences to me at an early age that got me interested in sciences.

Posted by: Craig3010 at July 20, 2005 12:13 PM

Scottie was one of my favorite characters, too. I know he's up There with 'ol Bones drinking some Scotch...(or Romulan ale) or something...just having a grand time.

Posted by: haydensprincess at July 20, 2005 12:15 PM

like a lot of people I saw him at a Trek convention and was touched by his personality. I kinda wish now I had spoke up and at least said hi when passing him in that empty convention center hallway. At the time I felt he probably would just rather have some privacy. He was genuine and will be missed by millions...Alan

Posted by: Alan at July 20, 2005 12:25 PM

Actor James Doohan, who played the chief engineer Montgomery Scott in Star Trek, has died at the age of 85.

I met and got to hang with him only once, when I was doing event security at a Star Trek convention in Columbus, Ohio.

After the con was over, several of the guests and the staff got to hang out at a dinner and bar afterwards. We were both drinking scotch.

As we both lifted our glasses to take a sip, our eyes met over our glasses and we both smiled and tipped our glasses to each other. I set my glass down and took another run on the pool table, sinking 3 in a row and winning the game. When Scotty gives you the nod, you're all set to perform well.
"Good shot." He said.
"thanks!" i replied "You wanna game?"
"oh no thanks..." He smiled back.

Here's to you James Doohan! I'll tip my glass for you anytime.

Posted by: Dr Nik at July 20, 2005 12:31 PM

I too met Jimmy Doohan at a con, many many years ago, and he could not have been nicer. Even though I was never a fan of the original series or movies, I bought a pic and had him autograph it. He was truly a class act, and I'm glad I met him.

Wil-

My memory is hazy - were you still on the series when Relics was shot? If so, please post about it.

Posted by: DaveESQ at July 20, 2005 12:35 PM

He was my Favorite on Star Trek right along side Mr. Spock...

By Scotty!!!...

Posted by: Keith L. Dick at July 20, 2005 12:45 PM

Met him on a ferry in Seattle, he was so nice. I was so afraid that he wouldn't appreciate being approached by a fan. He put me at ease quickly. He will be missed.

Posted by: Anthony English at July 20, 2005 12:58 PM

Jimmy has a 5 year old daughter. I feel sorry for her because she will grow up without him. But many people will share with her their memories of the wonderful man he was.

Like many others, I only saw Jimmy at conventions. One of the last times I saw him was in a convention hotel restaurant having dinner. His wife and baby daughter were with him along with Walter Koenig and some others. I was eating alone and their table was directly in my line of sight so I couldn't help but look at them occassionally. They were a quiet group and Jimmy looked quite content.

The last time I saw Jimmy was at another convention after the one above. In addition to his Q&A, he was going to do autographs. When I presented my photo, it took him a bit to carefully sign his name, but he still did it. I asked for a photo with him and Jimmy requested that I sit in his lap for the pose. Always the eye for the ladies, right Jimmy? I'm smiling right now at the memory. Of course, you said "yes" because this was Jimmy and you couldn't refuse his request.

Peace, Jimmy.

Posted by: watcher652 at July 20, 2005 12:59 PM

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jimmy at two KC Trek conventions in the late 70s, and saw him at several others over the years. Despite the thousands of fans he'd see each year, he remembered my name when we'd cross paths.

He seldom kept to the stage at con appearances, preferring a wireless mike (if available, or one with a very long cord) so that he could walk among the fans to take their questions, shake hands, and regale us with stories he must've told hundreds, if not thousands, of times. There never was a Fourth Wall with Jimmy. He truly embraced the fans, and went out of his way to make them all feel special.

He was the epitome of a Class Act.

Here's to ye, lad. Raise a shot of Single Malt with De Kelley when you see him.

Myself, I'll have to screen my copy of "Relics," and raise my own melancholy toast.

Posted by: Paul B in KC at July 20, 2005 01:00 PM

Awesome guy, awesome character, and it was all Jimmy.

I'll always remember him for his fun performance in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. That scene with the Apple computer had me rolling.

Posted by: Jabbertrack at July 20, 2005 01:07 PM

According to Memory Alpha (memory-alpha.org), Wil did not appear in Relics.

RIP, Scotty.

Posted by: Jack at July 20, 2005 01:09 PM

When my son was small, he slept with Scotty's guide to the enterprise...he was consumed by the character.
Thank-you Mr Doohan, for allowing my husband and i to introduce our children to you.... and thank you for all of your gifts you gave to Star trek fans everywhere.

You gave me the best piece of advice i ever got.....
""How many times da I have to tell ya...the right tool for the right job!"

Godspeed to you James Doohan

Posted by: rileymom at July 20, 2005 01:11 PM

Truly this is a sad day. Scotty is one of my all time favorite Star Trek characters and James Doohan will always be one of my all time favorite people. His kindness and generosity to the fans of Trek will forever be remembered fondly. Again I echo the refrain that he will be missed. My thoughts go to his family and a toast goes out to the "Mircle Worker" of the starship Enterprise.

Posted by: SciFiGeekGirl at July 20, 2005 01:11 PM

I just read about this on another person's blog.

I'm so saddened by this.

Posted by: sleepingmommy at July 20, 2005 01:20 PM

when i was a kid...i watched STAR TREK on television...nothing unusual about that...alot of kids watched STAR TREK...and make no mistake about it...CAPTAIN KIRK was my favorite character...but there was another character that may have affected me more as far as my choice of career...there was a character on STAR TREK...CHIEF ENGINEER MONTGOMERY SCOTT...known to the crew as SCOTTY...SCOTTY was a master of technology...whererever he would go...he'd be pushing buttons...and working with all kinds of cool looking high tech stuff...today when i got the news of the passing of JAMES DOOHAN...the man who played SCOTTY on STAR TREK...i looked around the radio station control room where i was sitting...and the resemblence to the equipment of television's USS ENTERPRISE was striking...complete with blinking lights that basically don't do much of anything...and slide pots on the control board that look for all the world, like the controls to the transporter...my 9 year old self would have been exceedingly pleased to be sitting where i was...in my life i had found myself in a career where i got to work with stuff that looked just like the stuff that SCOTTY lovingly operated and repaired on my favorite television show...i guess the 9 year old in me is still alive and well...because sometimes...when the flashing weather alert icon is spinning red on the METRO NEWS monitor...and a storm is raging outside...when the lightening is flashing and the thunder is booming...i find myself wanting to tell my listeners...aye captain...i don't know how much more of this pounding the transmitter can stand...she cannae take much more of this...

so JAMES DOOHAN...AKA SCOTTY...you will be missed...but i have only to look around me to remember you...the man who made pushing buttons and sliding controls to and fro look mighty cool in the eyes of a litttle boy...something that no doubt pushed me to the career i've been working at since i was 14...only these days i'm not beaming up people from the surface to the ship...i'm beaming up songs and commercials from the hard drive of the computer...boldly going where it appears i was always meant to go.

Posted by: d. burr at July 20, 2005 01:22 PM

My heart goes out to his family, friends and the millions of fans that enjoy his performances.

Farewell Jimmy. DeForest is waiting.

Posted by: Glyn Evans at July 20, 2005 01:26 PM

The Universe will never be the same again.

I had no idea Jimmy lived in Redmond, Washington. Just up the road from me. The Pacific Northwest and the World will miss him dearly.

He will never be forgotten.

Posted by: kelsquatch at July 20, 2005 01:30 PM

AP: In a 1998 interview, Doohan was asked if he ever got tired of hearing the line "Beam me up, Scotty."

"I'm not tired of it at all," he replied. "Good gracious, it's been said to me for just about 31 years. It's been said to me at 70 miles an hour across four lanes on the freeway. I hear it from just about everybody. It's been fun."



Remember that part, Wil. A good number of us yelling "hey, Ensign Crusher!" love Wesley because of you, too.

Posted by: Kristen at July 20, 2005 01:38 PM

Two questions that I hope Wil can address when he gets around to his posting.

I remember one of the funnier Far Side cartoons was the "Scotty in Hell" one -- it was just so ridiculous -- with someone who looked vaguely like James Doohan running up to the Devil, shouting about how "the engines kenna take no mur!"

Did Doohan ever express an opinion about that cartoon?

And in one of the later Futurama episodes, Scotty was replaced with "Welshie." Was that because Doohan was too ill by then?

Posted by: Alex the Bold at July 20, 2005 01:50 PM

Thanks Will, that is a great collection of eulogy's. May we all leave behind great memories and great friends to eulogize us so well and to have inspired many more to live.

Ches

Posted by: Ches at July 20, 2005 01:57 PM

Any man who participated in the D-Day invasion and played one of the greatest TV characters ever will be sorely missed.

I wish I had met him.

Today at work we were wishing that he could have just stepped into a transporter and endlessly looped there until future ages found him......

Posted by: fgw_three at July 20, 2005 02:05 PM

WWdN was the first place I came when I heard about Doohan's death on the television, because I knew you'd have something meaningful to say about it, Wil. I never met him, but I will miss him terribly. :-(

Posted by: littlenicola at July 20, 2005 02:08 PM

For a few years i lived over on the east side, i would see Mr Doohan at the Albertsons.
I was always such a big fan growing up watching his show.
When i worked up the nerve to come talk to him, he was the nicest person i have ever met.

We miss you james.

Posted by: whiteguysamurai at July 20, 2005 02:10 PM

One of the greatest things I learned from "Scotty" was to always double the amount of time you would need for a project. It might sound a little dishonest, but you will never know how many times something unexpected happened and I need at least part of that extra time to pull off some "miracle".

It's sound advice. A good engineer should always take some account for Murphy's Law.

Posted by: MamaSlyth at July 20, 2005 02:16 PM

One thing that makes this a little easier to take is that Mr. Doohan was able to go knowing how much he was loved. From the tributes like the one you spoke at, to the Star in Hollywood recently, I really hope he was able to see how much his performance, and his spirit in real life, influenced the world for the better.

How many of us will move on making a difference in this world because of the role he potrayed? How many more are a little better now because they knew the man?

Posted by: dml at July 20, 2005 02:31 PM

Alex the Bold:

Two questions that I hope Wil can address when he gets around to his posting...

And in one of the later Futurama episodes, Scotty was replaced with "Welshie." Was that because Doohan was too ill by then?

I read about this earlier on another website…can’t remember which one. Anyways, it wasn’t because he was too sick, he just didn’t want to. They said that he was the only cast member asked who said no. It said his only response to the offer was “No way”

Posted by: arak80 at July 20, 2005 02:49 PM

Wil gave Mr. Doohan a very classy send off on Talk of the Nation on NPR today... Well done, Wil, well done.

Posted by: palehorse at July 20, 2005 02:56 PM

I'm shocked by this. I don't know how to put my thoughts down eloquently, so I'll just say what comes to mind.

My sister and I used to watch Star Trek together growing up. She was a HUGE fan of Leonard Nimoy, and I liked Scotty. I don't know if it was his adorable, grandfatherly accent, or the way his eyes would twinkle when he delivered a clever line, but he always made me smile.

How lucky you are, Wil, to have gotten to know him.

Posted by: porkerella at July 20, 2005 03:44 PM

Nice seeming guy, best on TOS. Sad to see him go.

Posted by: gorthos at July 20, 2005 03:47 PM

Although he had been in declining health for several years (not only from Alzheimer's, but also diabetes and several other afflictions), it is still sad to learn of his death, even though we all knew it was coming, sooner or later.

Given the fact that he got his start in the RCAF during World War II, it occurs to me that a fairly well-known poem from that era would be an appropriate tribute. It's by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., a young American who joined the RCAF prior to the entry of the US into WWII. Only a few days after writing this poem, and including it in a letter to his mother, Mr. Magee was killed in a mid-air collision in England. The poem is titled, "High Flight," and it goes like this:

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of.
Wheeled, and soared, and swung, high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there, I've chased the shouting wind along, And flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind, I've trod the high, untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

I close by ading my own personal tribute, which I call "A Vulcan Prayer," which I submitted to the convention at which Mr. Doohan made his final public appearance:

Live long and prosper, James Doohan!
May the sunset years of your life be filled with peace, color, beauty, and glory,
Like that of the setting sun itself.
And, when the time comes--as come it must for all men--For your time in this life to end,
May you be free from pain or suffering of any kind, Surrounded by the love of friends, fans, and family,
Able to look back with satisfaction
On a life well-ived, and a job well done!

Rest in peace, James Doohan!

Posted by: Tom Nichol at July 20, 2005 03:51 PM

"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly - my friends" - Queen, "The Show Must Go On"

Tonight, Scotty flies for the last time. Rest in Peace, Mr. Doohan.

(karmelrio-don't feel bad about tearing up...i'm still full-on crying...)

Posted by: shewhobeatsass at July 20, 2005 04:13 PM

Goodness, I'm tearing up too. Godspeed, Mr Doohan.

One to beam up.

Posted by: Roy at July 20, 2005 04:26 PM

Oh man, I'm sad to hear he's gone, and how he went (Alzheimer's and pnuemonia). At least his wife was by his side, and I hope he knew that. This is the man who singlehandedly taught a nation of engineers to say "I'll have that for you in 8 hours", only to turn it around in minutes, making you look real good. Speed, Mr. Doohan, speed.

Posted by: thorjansen at July 20, 2005 04:44 PM

That is so sad to hear James Doohan died. We lose so many good people to sickness and what not and he was was sure one of the good ones! My thoughts are also with his family and friends. May you rest in peace Mr. Doohan!! P.S. Wil, your post was very moving. That is one of the best things about your site! You always have the right words to say about people.

Posted by: JCade at July 20, 2005 04:58 PM

I never had the chance to meet Jimmy Doohan in person, but I can truthfully state that I adored the way he brought the character of Scotty to life. It was that lovely Scottish burr that must have done it -- that and the "human touches" like his fondness for good malt Scotch! He will be missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts of all whose lives he touched...which is a good part of the population of the world, and that's a fine legacy to leave behind.

Posted by: Starshadow_Rivaulx at July 20, 2005 05:08 PM

I was fortunate to meet him a few years back at a Trek convention. He seemed like a very sweet and nice guy. I know he's had health problems the last few years, but his death was still somewhat of a shock. He will be missed dearly.

Posted by: wallflowergirl at July 20, 2005 05:16 PM

Tears. I'll lift a glass tonight at the pub. RIP.

Posted by: GeekGirl1970 at July 20, 2005 05:35 PM

Of all the random deaths that have occured in the past year, this is the first to touch me in the slightest. I don't know why; I never knew this man, I never watched TOS, I never went to any conventions. But all your loving memories of him have made his death meaningful.

May he forever rest in peace, and may the memories of him live long and prosper.

Posted by: Zkid at July 20, 2005 05:37 PM

The number of people writing in to comment is a tribute in itself.

Posted by: jubalation at July 20, 2005 05:41 PM

However, weirdness, a comment on the news from William "f***ing" Shatner on how close he was to Jimmy and how they stayed good friends all these years. Jimmy said himself that he liked Kirk, but couldn't stand Shatner. I'd have liked it better if Shatner had simply settled for saying something nice about Jimmy's work, and not gone with that little piece of embroidery.

Posted by: jubalation at July 20, 2005 05:47 PM

I made a little memorial page for Scotty.. Nothing too fancy, but hopefully I got the message across okay..

http://nemfxprojects.4t.com/custom.html

Posted by: NemFX at July 20, 2005 05:59 PM

You know, for years I've thinking, "If I ever have a kid and it's a boy, I'm going to try to name him Montgomery Scott." Hey, I can always use the excuse that Scott is also my middle name.

I do find it appropriate that he died on the moon landing anniversary. He was the reason I became a nuke (worker bee on a nuclear reactor) and Star Trek was probably a big factor that made me choose to serve on a submarine instead of something lame, like an aircraft carrier.

Posted by: Kevin M. at July 20, 2005 06:19 PM

Rest in peace Jimmy Doohan. We love you and will miss you.

I loved original Trek. It looks cheesy now, but it will always be a classic, the show that started it all.

Posted by: the stalwart light at July 20, 2005 06:21 PM

My thoughts are with Jimmy's family right now. His death was one shock of many today.

My sister was due to have her daughter in one month. She went in to full labor this morning at - you guessed it - 5:30. Born one month premature but healthy and already spunky. My guess is, the kid has a big legacy to live up to now.

Kind of that big Circle of Life thing. I know I'll always have one day now when I think of Jimmy and the wonderful legacy he left behind.

Posted by: Code Pirate at July 20, 2005 06:31 PM

Here's the link for the NPR article:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4762683

Posted by: Meeker at July 20, 2005 07:06 PM

He lives forever on the silver screen and in the hearts of his fans. It was hard to read about his decline, I wish his family the best, no doubt a dazzingly light has gone out in their world.

Burn bright children, we have a lot of slack to take up.

Posted by: doog at July 20, 2005 07:24 PM

Make that 'dazzlingly-bright' (which I ain't)

Posted by: doog at July 20, 2005 07:25 PM

Love of Star Trek is one of many things that bonded my Dad and I together as a little girl , and Later My Son, Mike and I together. Scottie was one of the best Role modles Off and On the screen. When wE took my son to Cedar point and he rode his first roller coster , he became very scared ,, instead of just screaming ,, he yelled Beam me up Scotty , and he was serious,,lol . He will be very missed and fondly remembered

Posted by: Cathy at July 20, 2005 07:28 PM

I met him breifly at a convention a few years back. He was extremely nice and friendly to myself and the two friends I was with. He will truely be missed.

Posted by: flodge01 at July 20, 2005 07:47 PM

but im happy that he (and his family, his friends) wont have to suffer any longer from this terrible disease. whats important is that he lead a full life. im going to miss him.

Posted by: rmacapobre at July 20, 2005 07:48 PM

As a Canadian I have to remember Jimmy's service in World War II.

From the Daily Bulletin:
He was among the Canadian forces that landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. "The sea was rough," he recalled. "We were more afraid of drowning than the Germans."The Canadians crossed a minefield laid for tanks; the soldiers weren't heavy enough to detonate the bombs. At 11:30 that night, he was machine-gunned, taking six hits: one that took off his middle right finger (he managed to hide the missing finger on screen), four in his leg and one in the chest. Fortunately the chest bullet was stopped by his silver cigarette case.

Posted by: Revbat at July 20, 2005 08:12 PM

Rest in peace, James. Far more important than being a good actor is being a good human. You were both. Thank you so very much. Carsten

Posted by: Carsten at July 20, 2005 08:17 PM

Iceberg wrote:
"Mr. Scott, the word is given."

*with tears in my eyes*
Damnit, that says it all, doesn't it?

Reminds me of another great line Kirk said before the Enterprise was decommissioned.
"Second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning"...

The stars are yours dear friend. Go to them.

Posted by: kelsquatch at July 20, 2005 09:58 PM

The galaxy seems a little empiter today.

Posted by: eric at July 20, 2005 10:05 PM

I was shot down by Klingons AND Romulans when I heard that "Scotty" had passed away. He was always my favorite character on the original series and there was always a "link" between me and him because my nickname was Scotty. May he go to the grand Enterprise in the Heavens in the deepest reaches of space.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Doohan family!

Posted by: Scott T at July 20, 2005 10:20 PM

One of the most treasured pictures and stories I have about James Doohan:

I was standing in line at a convention with my wife ready to get Mr. Doohan's autograph. When it was my turn, Mr. Doohan raised from his seat to streach. His assistant said that if we wanted a picture, it would be a good time now to do it.

Mr. Doohan then asked me, "Is this pretty young lady here your wife?"
I answered, "Yes, Sir."
He then said, "I'll let you take a picture, but she has to give me a kiss on the cheek."
I whole heartedly agreed to his proposal as I knew I was about to shoot the picture of a lifetime.
He then offered me a picture with him and I said, "I'd appreciate that, but I'm not kissing you."
I will remember that moment for the rest of my life and would like to thank that man for giving it to me.

Posted by: Andavar at July 20, 2005 10:48 PM

He seemed like a great man. My thoughts are with his family. He lived a long life and i'm sure he will be very fondly remembered by many.

Posted by: Mynna at July 20, 2005 11:23 PM

As someone responsible for an ongoing Star Trek universe saga over on Electric Minds, I came up with a small tribute here, as expressed by the characters aboard our own starship.

Godspeed, Jimmy.

Posted by: Erbo at July 20, 2005 11:37 PM

I wish I could've had the opportunity to meet him. Best wishes to his family and those who knew him.

Posted by: Heccubus at July 20, 2005 11:40 PM

I met Jimmy awhile back when I lived in Raleigh. He was at a Sci Fi convention along with Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Chase Masterson, and Stephen Furst. All were very nice. "Relics" aired during the 6th season of ST:TNG, so Wil was gone by then. I am looking forward to Wil's rememberences of Jimmy.

Jimmy looked a little tired but perked up when I addressed him as "Mr. Doohan." instead of "Scotty." He graciously gave me an autograph, and he said he wanted a drink! I offered to buy him one, but he said the convention folks wouldn't look too kindly on that.

I wish I had known about his service in World War II, especially what he went through at D-Day. I also did not know he had nine children.

Posted by: DPJ2005 at July 21, 2005 05:25 AM

I'm reminded of my visit to a convention in Charleston, WV back when I was in High School. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Doohan. I was wearing a Star Wars "T" and he said to me "Nice Shirt...Wrong Universe". I laughed and we sat and talked for a few minutes. I really enjoyed my conversation with him and will forever remember him. I was truly saddened to see him go.

Posted by: UberBloop at July 21, 2005 05:45 AM

A very sad day in the universe.
Peace to you Mr. Doohan.

Posted by: Sharfa at July 21, 2005 05:58 AM

I was honored to chat with Jimmy during the (short-lived) Disney World SciFi convention back in 95 (96?). He came across as totally genuine and totally likable.

I even managed to stay cool and not go completely fanboy :-)

He was possibly my favorite TOS character and was partly responsible for my interest in computers and programming.

RIP dude.

Posted by: Sukotto at July 21, 2005 07:31 AM

That was an awesome, heartfelt send-off you gave Jimmy, Wil. Good jaerb.

Posted by: StarKruzr at July 21, 2005 07:49 AM

Good ol Scotty! Sorry to see him go!

BTW Wil, did you know that that Nemesis will have deleted scenes on the DVD? One of them is your scene in the movie! Good stuff!

Posted by: Bryan at July 21, 2005 08:09 AM

I have a separate love for ALL the star trek personalities. I really loved that Jim made himself publically available while battling alzheimers. He was a huge face for me of hanging on with dignity... not being secluded away because he was suffering an illness. It was great his family supported this and let all his fans show him love. he'll be missed.

Posted by: StephanieCurry at July 21, 2005 08:14 AM

A toast in the memory James Doohan:

Here's to ye, lad!

Posted by: spacewriter at July 21, 2005 08:15 AM

Mr. Doohan was, what I feel is, a real Canadian. As in, he was always so kind, thoughtful, and modest, you often never found out he WAS from Canada. And to hear of his involvement in D-Day? Well, even I never knew that one. He made everyone with a bit of Scottish in them (or more, like me!) very proud as well.

I hear some of his remains are going to be launched into space. That seems so right, somehow. I hope he gives the nod to Gene Roddenberry there...

Posted by: MelSkunk at July 21, 2005 09:29 AM

So my 2 favorite original Star Trek stars are gone - class acts, both of them.
On a happier note (since I missed it the first time) according to my TV Week, CBS is airing the CSI episode "Compulsion" tonight. Woo Hoo! I am THERE!

Posted by: Momcat at July 21, 2005 11:26 AM

So my 2 favorite original Star Trek stars are gone - class acts, both of them.
On a happier note (since I missed it the first time) according to my TV Week, CBS is airing the CSI episode "Compulsion" tonight. Woo Hoo! I am THERE!

Posted by: Momcat at July 21, 2005 11:29 AM

Jimmy will most definitely be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. :o)

Posted by: LolaGabanna at July 21, 2005 12:01 PM

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Doohan in 1985 (?) (well, b4 high school haze anyway) on the set of ST IV. It was in Santa Ana, at a company that produced plexiglass...Plexicorp! That's it!

A stunt pilot flew in a helicopter between 3-4 buildings that only allowed enuf space for the blades to turn. The shot was apparently cut from the final movie, but what an amazing bit o' flying mate!

Mr. Kelley had emerged from the set and walked directly to his trailer, in costume and apparently still in character, as he did not stop to say hello, and Mr. Nimoy pointed out that he is very serious with his focus. Mr. Kelley later sprung from his trailer, with a very friendly smile and waved some folks over to give autographs. He had to get back to LA quickly, so he departed and left Mr. Nimoy and Mr. Doohan to deal with the small crowd that had gathered. My dad had met with all of them earlier in that day when I was in class, and got all of their signatures for me.

When Mr. Nimoy came out and was done dealing with biz, he waved my dad over and as we approached he asked if this (me!) was the young actor? Wow, not only did he remember that my dad was there earlier, he asked how much theater experience I had had to that point (about 3 yrs as I was in 9th grade I believe, again the herbal soot...) He didn’t bother to ask anyone else over to him…

He was gracious and took us into the set and showed us around.

"Scotty" came out also in dress and character and said he had to get out of uniform and get the goo off his face and he'd be right back... Mr. Nimoy said to call him by his first name, but please (with a smile) - NOT LEON! He was very cool.

I had brought with me 2 friends and Mr. Doohan came out and said “All kids over here please!” Then he saw my dad and shook his hand.

He told us all to call him Jimmy and he made us feel like we were old friends. He posed for a few pictures with us all and my dad offered to buy him a drink. He checked his watch and said, “Dammit, I gotta go but I sure wish I could.” With a wink and a smile. We all of course asked him where his accent had gone, and he said “Hey, It’s my job to pretend you know!” He talked about how much fun he has and it's such an easy job to do what he does. He’s enjoyed the experience and the friends he’s made along the way. He said he wouldn’t have given it up for anything.

I only got to spend a few minutes with him but at 14 yrs old, and wanting to become an actor myself, he made quite an impression on me as most any celebrity I had met in the past (and since) seemed to be willing to avoid conversation at any cost! He was truly a good man and I will always remember the time he shared with us. The picture of him & I has been lost, but I still look every now & then at one that I have with him and an old, long lost friend of mine from way back then. It’s good to remember the past. It reminds us of who we have now become.

Wil, keep up the great work. I appreciate your candor and your wit. Oh, sorry about bumping into you and almost spilling your beer, was it Anchor Steam, or Fat Tire??? Hey next time yer in Vegas, give me a yell. I’m married too and we can go stare at all the scantily dressed ladies without touching. It’s really quite difficult to live here as a hitched male…

Posted by: cwickenstein at July 21, 2005 12:06 PM

Great site Wil. Been a reader for a while. Finally decided to sign up so I can post.

Posted by: Darryl at July 21, 2005 12:10 PM

Just wanted to say that James' passing is the first celebrity to actually choke me up. I can't say exactly why that is, butI slapped Undiscovered Country in the dvd player last night in homage. First post........

Posted by: BlastCircle at July 21, 2005 12:27 PM

Just listened to the NPR broadcast......what a fitting tribute, Wil, your words just about summed it up. I never had the pleasure to meet James, he sounds like he was a heck of a guy, someone who accepted his life-long recognition as a single character, and touched alot of people's hearts. Prayers to his family and friends......

Posted by: jesst70 at July 21, 2005 03:22 PM

The thing I'm always going to remember is meeting him in the 1970s, on production of the animated Star Trek. He was so good at dialects and voices that he did many of the voices you hear on the show, including some you'd never guess.

I'm going to dye a glass of Scotch green and hoist one, one Scotsman to another. Amazing Grace, Jimmy.

Posted by: Animeraider at July 21, 2005 03:30 PM

Here's to you, Scotty!
Should I pour a Scotch.. or rather a Romulan ale?

Posted by: below at July 21, 2005 03:31 PM

Okay now here's the stumper. Did anyone also hear that the guy who voiced Piglet for Walt Disney also died. And here's the strange thing...he's also the guy who played the character on Star Trek who was Jack the Ripper and had tried to frame Scotty for the murder on a peaceful planet. Coincidence?!? Here's to the both of them because for my entire childhood and adulthood they both gave me many years of enjoyment. I think I'm going to watch that episode tonight and have a glass of Scotch for the both of them.

PS. Scotty will have his ashes sent up in orbit later this year.

Jake

Posted by: macshaggy at July 21, 2005 06:04 PM

It always makes me smile when I see so much support and good wishes and memories emerge when someone leaves us. This is what we're supposed to do, remember the good things about our loved ones. And James Doohan really was loved. We'll miss you, Scotty.

Thanks Wil, for posting all those great links.

Posted by: Khali at July 21, 2005 06:23 PM

One of the most famous people ever to come out of Sarnia, ONT (the city where my grandparents lived out their retirement). I've always felt a touch of a connection to him because of that, as well as his guest spot on Ben Stiller.

Posted by: Gandalfe at July 21, 2005 07:22 PM

Audio Transmission

Posted by: noshoes at July 21, 2005 07:43 PM

Here's a link to Wil's comments on NPR (click the "LISTEN" tab at the top).

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4762683

-Good job WIl.

Posted by: bergschrund at July 21, 2005 10:43 PM

First the good doctor and now the engineer.

21 phaser salute.

Man I remember staying up late to first watch TOS in reruns with my little brother so many years ago.

Scotty we hardly knew ye!

Posted by: Bruce Lee Beinert at July 22, 2005 12:44 AM

First the good doctor and now the engineer.

21 phaser salute.

Man I remember staying up late to first watch TOS in reruns with my little brother so many years ago.

Scotty we hardly knew ye!

Posted by: Bruce Lee Beinert at July 22, 2005 12:44 AM

>

Holy cow. Now that you mention it of course they were one and the same. I can hear that voice in my head as I type this.

Read Wil's site learn something new.

Posted by: Bruce Lee Beinert at July 22, 2005 12:48 AM

Heres to you Mr.Scott, may you rest peacefully in that big engine room in the sky! *Raises glass*

Posted by: Sparky at July 22, 2005 01:26 AM

Wil -

I don't recall Wesley appearing in Relics or appearing at all on TNG that season. What gives with the story of you and Doohan, in your spacesuits, down in engineering????

Posted by: wu-ping at July 22, 2005 06:20 AM

Wil -

I don't recall Wesley appearing in Relics or appearing at all on TNG that season. What gives with the NPR story of you and Doohan, in your spacesuits, down in engineering????

Posted by: wu-ping at July 22, 2005 06:20 AM

I could have missed this in the 118 comments so forgive me if I repeat someone.
I never got to meet Mr.Doohan myself, but I do (unfortnately) own both "Trekkie" movies. True, they suck for the most part, but I think anyone who's seen them would remember vividly this one part.

Jim talked about getting a suicide letter from a fan and instead of just ignoring it he wrote back and asked her to meet him at his next convention. And through the years she went to several of them. He always kept her going to the next one so that he could see she was alright. Then he didn't hear from her for a while and one day got another letter thanking him for saving her life.

Now, that's a great guy! Who knew you could tear up watching a Trekkies documentary?

Posted by: MaraJade at July 22, 2005 07:35 AM

In honor of the late James Doohan, Top five ways things would be different if the original Star Trek crew ran the country:
5) President Kirk's controversial state of the union address: "We have recently learned that Iraq has been seeking significant quantities of dilithium."
4) All those lucrative no-bid contracts going to Scotty's pals in the warp core industry.
3) New military recruits officially referred to as "red shirts."
2) "I did not have sexual relations with that green-skinned Orion slave girl."
1) Old national symbol: the eagle. New national symbol: the tribble.

~Karen K

Posted by: bierwoman at July 22, 2005 09:30 AM

One truly great Canadian....
he will be missed.
He's somewhere out there watching down on all of us....

Posted by: 1cutebird at July 22, 2005 01:03 PM

My first post...

I don't know why this has hit me as hard as it has. I think when Deforest passed away, I was too busy running away from Trek for it to really process. All of my friends were hardcore trekkies, while I seemingly absorded it be osmosis. Now they're gone, moved onto other obsessions such as anime, but I'm left with a lasting respect for trek.

So I popped in two dvds tonight, having seen II and III not so long ago, I popped in IV and then VI (let's just skip over V ;) ). I don't know why, but the ending of VI was so sad for me this time. I just couldn't stop crying. I guess what with the entire storyline of what they were trying to achieve (I'm an idealist), combined with it being more or less the last of the entire old gen cast, combined with the death of James Doohan.. made for a very emotional Trek.

Especially the ending shot, where if I'm not mistaken, flanking the captain's chair on either side, were Scotty and McCoy. And then at the end where they sign off with their signatures... I was just sobbing.

But ya know what drew me to your blog Wil? Not one thing having to do with trek. I haven't watched as much of TNG as most people here (something that's being fixed, thanks to late night reruns), but what drew me to your blog was you and your writing. :)

BTW - on a happier note, while we don't get CSI in a timely manner here in Finland, I asked mom about how you did. She didn't know who you are, but I described your character, and you wanna know what she said? "Oh yeah, he was excellent! Not your normal guest star material! You're kidding, he was on Star Trek?"

So even people who don't know you, unbiased viewers who are just watching a tv show, noticed you're great. :)

Posted by: Aria at July 22, 2005 08:06 PM

I never met James.
I saw him do a narration piece at an off-Broadway play (return to the forbidden planet).

Some friends of mine ran into him at a mall, and he invited them home for tea.

He was truly a nice man.

Posted by: Jorge at July 22, 2005 09:47 PM

Mr Scott, Godspeed my friend and thank you

Posted by: Nick Notarangelo at July 22, 2005 10:40 PM

Hey Wil, wu-ping had a good point. You weren't in the TNG episode entitled Relics. In fact,you had long departed the series and were not in an episode that entire season(season 6). Could you have been confused on the details or were you visiting the set when they filmed the show? You know us die hard Trekkies keep up with things like that. What gives???? Inquiring minds want to know.

Posted by: LazarusLong at July 23, 2005 03:19 PM

So it turns out that somewhere in the past 15 years, a few memories have blurred together.

I must have been at Paramount for something else, or visiting the set for some reason long lost to the haze of my memory, and visited with Jimmy then.

Obviously, my memory of sitting in our spacesuits can't be correct, but I *cleary* recall sitting together around the "pool table" in the engineering set on stage nine, and I clearly recall Jimmy's kindness and enthusiasm for working on TNG.

So I apologize for screwing up some of the details that a few Trekkies obsessively track, but my error doesn't change the way I feel about Jimmy, the fond memories I have of his kindness toward me and every single fan I ever saw him interact with, and my celebration of his legacy.

Posted by: Wil at July 23, 2005 07:11 PM

Ah yes, the great Mr. Scott. He will be missed just like "Bones". Losing such powerful and defined characters have surely left an empty space in our lives. So now we are left to explore that "space" which they have left to us.

Godspeed Mr. Doohan.

Or maybe it will be Wilspeed.
http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLink=1581114

(a bit of levity for a somber moment - you'll have to scroll towards the end to find it)

Posted by: [OGzr]Talon at July 23, 2005 07:29 PM

I have only briefly seen James and his wife shopping for computers. He was very personable. I guess now was his time to move from The Final Frontier to the Ultimate Frontier.

If you would like to see his filmography, you can find it at:
http://imdb.com/name/nm0001150/

It would be nice to find a rental, remember him, and toast him by saying "It's Green".

Posted by: DustyTymes at July 23, 2005 08:54 PM

I loved scotty as a young one. Even before TNG came out I loved StarTrek. I always loved engineer Scott. I'll miss my fellow North westerner James Doohan

Posted by: friend at July 24, 2005 02:50 AM

wow, I had no idea he passed. Sorry to hear that :(

Posted by: Site Tutor Web Design and Marketing at July 24, 2005 03:20 AM

I have to say I'm pleased with the media overall, regarding James Doohan. Most of the press had such wonderful things to say about him, and not just in death. He was one of those men you really couldn't dish any dirt on. One of the few true heros.

Posted by: Editor *iCING Magazine* at July 24, 2005 11:38 AM

Ouch!

This is going to leave a mark...

Great man - sad day.

Posted by: Nyarl at July 25, 2005 08:51 AM

I remember meeting him once when I was five... couldn't figure out why he was "out of uniform"

Posted by: Kat at July 25, 2005 03:12 PM

I just wanted to say I appreciate your candor in answering my last post. It is certainly understandable that time could cloud memory, Happens to me all the time. I daresay that some of the events of the last 15 years of my life have become a bit distorted in my mind. I truly hope I didn't offend you by asking. Once again you have proven to be a stand up guy. Thanks for putting up with us nit-picking Trekkies!

Posted by: LazarusLong at July 26, 2005 06:32 AM

Thank you for your comments on Talk of the Nation. I meant to post something about it here earlier.

Posted by: Anna at July 26, 2005 02:43 PM

Only just saw this, but I think you might like..

http://www.jamihn.com/angryzenmaster/index.php?comicID=33

Posted by: NemFX at August 14, 2005 08:32 PM