Just moments ago my wife informed me that the Internet blew up with the news of the passing Leonard Nimoy. I went out myself and confirmed the story (http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/27/8120961/leonard-nimoy-dead-at-83) and shared the news to my social media network as well. I had wondered what I wanted to write about today, but this made the choice for me.

I grew up watching Star Trek, both the original series and The Next Generation. It was most definitely a formative part of my childhood and teenage years. I used to watch the episodes over and over again, enjoying the journeys into space and other worlds. I don’t think I can put my finger one specific ‘thing’ that makes Star Trek so meaningful for me, but it’s a combination of wonderfully imaginative stories, that transport you to other places, amazing concepts of futuristic technology, an expansive world where anything can happen, and great commentary about social issues both historical and current day. Star Trek was just one of those shows that got under your skin and made you love space and adventure.

Leonard Nimoy’s portrayal of Spock was so iconic and memorable that you couldn’t help but love the character. His ability to play a deadpan role, yet make it come alive was a testament to how well that character fit his personality. The person that Nimoy created in Spock defined an entire alien species and served as a role model to every actor that’s portrayed a Vulcan since. He became the archetype of what it meant to play an alien trying to understand humanity.

Yet Nimoy was more than just Spock. Who could forget his hilarious Ballad of Bilbo Baggins, and work in movies such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Although his talent wasn’t as broad as other actors in the field, he played each role he was given with distinction.

Perhaps the thing that I admired about him as a person most of all was his willingness to embrace what he had created with Star Trek. He didn’t shy away from the publicity in geekdom that Star Trek brought to him, but simply rode along with, it with good nature and a smile. I never saw an interview where he wasn’t happy and enjoying everything that life had brought his way.

I feel like I’m saying goodbye to a bit of my childhood once again. I remember feeling this way a bit when Gene Roddenberry passed away as well, and I’m sure there will be other moments to come. But life goes on, so in the words of Nimoy’s final tweet: “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP”

Live long and prosper.