The Laughing Wolf

An Open Letter Of Thanks To James Doohan

Sir,

It is with great sadness that I read of the battle you now face. Given the enemy, I want to take the time to thank you yet again for all that you have done for me over the years.

This goes well beyond simple entertainment, though truly no price can be placed upon it. For you did entertain, on screen or in person, and it was a pleasure for all. Yet, at the same time, you did more and I know not if I ever got that across to you. That was the one thing I knew to make you uncomfortable, but the fact is you did set an example and did set a challenge.

It was your character of Scotty that got me interested in studying engineering. The problem solving, the fix anything aspects, the joy of figuring out how something worked or could be made to work was heady to me. I imagine it appealed to a lot of fellow geeks as well, and it was something to which we could related. The first time I met you, at a small event at a community college, you were class personified. When we met afterwards and I told you that your character had inspired me to study engineering, your first thought was to be sure that I knew what I was getting into. You made sure that I understood the difference between you and your character, and your character and the reality of engineering. Once you were sure that I did, then you offered some advice, encouragement, and support.

I can’t remember for sure the next time we met, but I do remember our meeting at the press area at Kennedy Space Center for the first launch of the Shuttle. At least I think it was the first launch, I know it was one of the first four. You were down on behalf of a society, and doing all you could to promote space exploration. During this time, you also took the time to check on how I was doing, what I was doing, and to see how my dream was progressing. The people you were with were slightly less than happy, I believe, but you sat down with me and my compatriot, joined us for some semi-live coverage of the event, recorded a promo or two for our broadcast, and then did something even more wonderful. You showed us, during that time and others, several of what I think you called voice “tricks” that have stood me in good stead over the years. You also helped me hone my own accents and impersonations, a talent that has also helped me a time or two. It was professional courtesy of a level I had never before experienced in broadcasting.

As guests at various conventions, we have met again over the years and the courtesy you have shown me each time is remarkable. Then again, it was the same courtesy you have shown fans and other members of the public as well. You avoided the “star path” and gave freely of yourself and made such things a pleasure for all. Thank you for that.

I also want to thank you for your support of space exploration and even of space free enterprise. You have done a lot behind the scenes, and have never hesitated to lend your voice in various guises and forms to the effort. I know that you have “donated” your voice, worked for minimums, and donated fees to various worthwhile causes. You chose to do so quietly, and shunned publicity for those efforts, but at this time I want to give you my thanks for all that you have done in this cause.

It would be remiss of me not to thank you for your service. You not only served in combat, but I have witnessed you show the greatest respect to, and do things for, those who serve now in the military. No one in uniform ever need to have feared approaching you for an autograph or conversation.

Before this enemy brings down the final curtain of the mind, please accept my thanks for all that you have done, from entertainment to encouragement. You have had a far greater impact than you may know, or with which you may be comfortable. Take pride, however, in that what you have done has set a challenge on many levels. Would that all who entertain took that responsibility as seriously as you have done, and would that all could have the wonderful impact that you have had. For the laughter, the lectures, the encouragement, and the fun, my thanks to you. May the light shine on you and your family in the days ahead, and know that you and they will be in my thoughts.

C. Blake Powers