Last Friday, February 27, 2015, Leonard Nimoy passed away at the age of 83.
In a situation like this, it’s tempting to write the long recollection about how much the person’s work meant to you. And in my case, that’s certainly true. I owe my career in large part to my love for Star Trek and Nimoy’s work on it. But I feel that the remembrances often become more about the writer than the person who’s passed on, and I don’t want to do a disservice to Nimoy’s memory by rambling on about how much I loved this movie or that episode. And I didn’t really know him personally, so I will leave it for others far more qualified to speak of his exemplary character.
What I will say is this. Ironically, as much as he was known for playing the “alien” character on Star Trek, it was his humanity and dignity that set both the character of Spock and the series apart from anything else on television. It’s heartwrenching to realize we live in a world without Leonard Nimoy, but comforting to know that we will never be without his work. And in the manner he performed that work, he provided a model for us all. Do your best and do so honorably. Treat others well and with respect. Value your work and its integrity and protect it, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Follow your passions. Help others as much as you’re able.
Following his example seems to me to be the best way to pay tribute to a great man and an extraordinary life.
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