Leonard Nimoy

Today I lost a friend though I did not know him personally.  He has been a part of my life since I was ten years old and Star Trek first aired.  Leonard Nimoy passed away this morning.  He was 83.   His best known role was that of Mr. Spock, first officer of the USS Enterprise. The character Spock was a Vulcan/Human mix, not devoid of emotion, but able to suppress and control his emotional responses.  For many of us who thought we were different Spock gave to us a role model that showed us that we could overcome our limitations and excel in what we chose to do and be.  He told us it was okay to be different and that was really a good thing.     While Nimoy alternately tried to remove himself from the character of Spock and embraced it he was forever in our minds the symbol of diversity that epitomized Star Trek.  Spock’s devotion to logic inspired us to examine our situations and understand how they could be improved.

Mr. Spock was not the only role Leonard Nimoy played just his most well-known.  I remember him just as well for a television movie called “Never Forget” where he played Jewish holocaust survivor, Mel Mermelstein, who challenges a holocaust denial organization in court.  It was a role I understand Mr. Nimoy felt strongly about.  I wish the library owned a copy of this powerful program, but it doesn’t.  I will never forget its power.  As often as I think of Leonard Nimoy I think of Mr. Spock, yes of course.  But I also remember him as the man who fought for the remembrance of one of the greatest atrocities ever committed.

Rest in Peace. Mr. Spock, Mr. Mermelstein, and especially Mr. Leonard Nimoy.  You will be missed.

Leonard Nimoy