Scotty is gone. He died today at the age of 85, due to complications from pneumonia and Alzheimer’s.
James Doohan embodied the fighting spirit of Canadians during World War II. “Ready, Aye! Ready!” He stormed the beaches of Normandy at Juno Beach. It was there he lost his right middle finger, the hand that was rarely seen on television. A miracle (in the form of his silver cigarette case) saved him from certain death, and he went on to become one of the most loved characters in Television history, a miracle worker: Captain of Engineering Montgomery Scott, a role he played in both the Original Series and The Next Generation.
Did he ever get irritated at the fans who quipped to him “Beam me up, Scotty?” In his own words:

“I’m not tired of it at all. 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.”

Indeed. And with 9 kids from three marriages (the youngest being only 5 years old!), he certainly lived life to the fullest. Thanks Scotty! You’re Home now, you’ve earned your rest.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.”