Scotty, warp factor nine

Well, it's already been posted all over Livejournal that James Doohan, aka Engineer Scott of Star Trek fame died today. It's no secret that Star Trek has touched the lives of so many, especially quite a few on my friend's list. Star Trek was always a big influence on my life in many ways. Of all the characters, I always identified with Scotty. I would have my hands in engines and electronics even before I was in two-digit age, and watching Scotty get the engines running or the shields up at just the last second and saving the day was an inspiration. His character's abilities and pride in his work became a benchmark of sorts for me. So, I was quite a bit saddened when I heard of his death, especially when I learned it was complications from Alzheimer's.

Scotty, here's to ya, laddie. *raises mug of Romulan ale*

I like to think that he is still with us, preserved in a transporter buffer somewhere...