‘Star Trek’ Star James Doohan Dies
By BOB THOMAS, Associated Press WriterJames 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.
Doohan died at 5:30 a.m. at his Redmond, Wash., home with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side, Los Angeles agent and longtime friend Steve Stevens said. The cause of death was pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease, he said.
He had said farewell to public life in August 2004, a few months after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. [full story]
What a gentleman… George Takei already has a tribute to Jimmy Doohan on this website, featuring a write-up he did in August 2004 when Jimmy got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
James Doohan
My dear, cherished friend, Jimmy Doohan, passed away earlier this morning. His wife Wende was at his side. Earlier today I spoke with Wende and offered my deepest condolences to her and the family. I will share my memories of Jimmy at another time. For now, please click here to read my August 2004 column when I wrote about Jimmy receiving his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jimmy, I love you and miss you.
–George Takei
July 20, 2005
UPDATE: Here is George Takei’s full tribute to Jimmy Doohan
*observes moment of silence for Scotty*
Thanks for the George Takei link. Scotty was always the coolest one on the Enterprise.