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GODSPEED, SCOTTY!
Doug's Dialogue
Growing up you know that you could count on certain things, your dog or cat to keep all of your secrets and not laugh at you, your best friend to always be there for you, and Scotty to be able to fix it and make it better when the going got tough.
James Doohan was certainly a recognizable figure to those who knew Star Trek. Many fans have been humbled to be in his presence, like I was when I met him at a Star Trek convention a few years back. I can still vividly recall the scene. His body, old and frail, beset by the effects of stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and old age, confined to a wheelchair to get around. But what I remember the most is the gleam in his eye, his giving me a wink and slight nod as if to say "I might be old and dying, but I am not dead yet. I still have some living to do." I think that is what fans can take from his parting. Live your life, and when it's near the end be able to say "I still have some living left to do." We will miss you Scotty. Below is a brief passage that I have created to honor Mr. Doohan and his life aboard the Enterprise.
Kirk slowly raised his head and looked around the smoke filled bridge, sparks cackling from wires that had fallen from overhead. He surveyed the scene and realized that they were still in one piece, they were alright.
"Scotty, you did it. You saved us just in the nick of time."
All he received in reply was the static hiss of an open communications channel.
"Scotty?" Kirk asked, "Are you alright?"
He slowly looked around at the faces of his bridge crew. Tears started to well up in his eyes as he looked into their eyes and they were starting to reflect the deep dreaded thoughts that he was thinking to himself.
"Scotty?" Kirk asked one more time.
Kirk's gaze rested on that of his first officer. It was hard to watch Mr. Spock as he struggled to control his emotions, each of his two halves warring for domination to be displayed on the passive face.
"Engineering was hit by the last volley," said Spock his voice cracking. "Mr. Scott stayed at his post. I'm sorry Captain. Mr. Scott's dead."
God rest ye James Doohan!
Mark's Remarks
Despite differences in the views on William Shatner, I was enamored of Jimmy Doohan. He just had that classic Scots wit which was contagious. I enjoyed his portrayal of Scotty immensely. And, I think you can see the impact on Scotty in that, despite LeVar Burton's best efforts, no other engineer has achieved main character status in Star Trek. Even Trip Tucker, the first officer on the debacle Enterprise, was relegated to the back of the ship many times. Only Scotty took a position that many thought to be just maintenance man and turned it into the Michelangelo of the Milky Way.
Mr. Doohan was a WWII war veteran, who served in the D-Day invasion. Many neophyte Trek fans or sci fi fans may not have known that. I honored and appreciated his service. If, when I met him at that Cleveland Con a few years ago, he would have been a bit healthier, I would have loved to speak with him about his service.
As Doug intimated in his comments, the body was failing but you could still see that glimmer in the eyes. He still had a witty comment for some, and a special demeanor for the ladies, both young and old, when they came by. I enjoyed working with Mr. Doohan and his son at that convention. The story of going to get Mr. Doohan and his entourage chicken has become the stuff of legend with my circle of friends, but even though it was consternating, it was worth it. To get the thank you from a TV legend, who has influenced no less than astronauts to greatness, was worth it, not to mention the neat autographed picture he gave me.
Scotty will not just be the chief engineer of the original Star Trek, of the original crew. He is THE CHIEF ENGINEER of Star Trek, of Sci-Fi....Period.
His mannerisms, his demeanor, his curiosity at learning enough about basic engineering will distinguish him from anyone else. Any engineer on a SciFi show today is walking in Jimmy's footsteps.
Sadly, the Engineering Marvel and the Medical Genius are no longer with us, as they have gone to reunite with the Great Bird of the Galaxy, GR. However, maybe, if we look hard enough to the stars on a clear night, we can still see them. Or, if we look at the wonder in a child's eye, we will see them.
Jimmy Doohan, like Dee Kelly, inspired three generations of space fans to reach for the stars, but at the same time, knowing that the true blessings of discovery are to be discovered within the human heart and imagination.
Godspeed, Jimmy...say hi to Dee and Gene....
7/22 Update
MATT - Re: Mark's Chicken Run for Doohan, all I can say is OUT---STANDING!And yes, that is an inside joke...sorry...
