Being a life long Star Trek fan from the very first series, season 1 (yes, I am that old) it is sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy Doohan, aka Mr. Scott. [hat tip Jawa Report].

James Doohan, the burly chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise in the original “Star Trek” TV series and movies who responded to the command “Beam me up, Scotty,” died Wednesday. He was 85.

The wife and I ‘saw’ him once, during our one and only foray into the Star Trek convention world in Arlington, VA back in the 80’s. We were in the ‘trinket’ area where everyone is hawking their goods and Doohan walks in and just starts to stroll around. I notice him because we are back from the tables, being Star Trek fans and not hard core Trekkies (though I can give anyone a run for their money on trivia questions). Doohan saw us notice him from about 30 feet away. But the 100+ people in the room were so focused on the wares being sold they had no clue the man was in the room with them.

Doohan lifted his finger to his lips to alert us to not make a big deal – probably so he could walk around in peace and just osberve. Which he did, while the wife and I stood there smiling at him as he occasionally looked back to us and winked.

And then he smiled, tilted his head and left. At least that is how I remember it nearly 20 years ago. First DeForest Kelley departed us, and now Jimmy Doohan. Two excellent actors who brought us characters so real and complete they live in our hearts and minds.

Who can forget the classic line from “A Rose By Any Other Name”:

Scotty: ” What is it? Why it’s…, er …. Why it’s…., er….. Why it’s Gren!”

A toast to Scotty.

More on Scotty at Jawa Report and with Ed Morrissey

UPDATE:

A toast and a showing of Star Trek IV: Voyage Home tonight. We will miss you Scotty….