James Doohan (Star Trek "Scotty") passed away today much to my personal sadness. You see it wasn't that long ago when I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Doohan, although our first close encounter almost ended up in a head butting.

I had business (no I didn't have to go to the toilet) in an old mansion where a movie shoot was happening. Despite the fact they were ready to roll the cameras they let me through. After completing my errand, I was descending a winding staircase that had lighting cables strewn all over the steps.

Because of all the cables I had to look at my feet so I wouldn't end up taking the short trip to the bottom. There was a bunch of actors standing there dressed in butler's uniforms, and about half-way down I heard one of them shout "heads up! I looked up to find myself staring eyeball-to-eyeball with James Doohan, who just happened to be doing the same thing coming up the staircase. We narrowly missed a collision in mid-flight.

In my astonishment all that I could muster was "beam me 'down' Scotty". I know, I'm sure he's heard similar versions a million times before but it seemed appropriate at the time and it did get a chuckle out of him.

Later, I met him outside again, and we shook hands. I thanked him for all the pleasure that he had given me with his wonderful character "Scotty" and told him what an honour it was to meet him.

What a sad day for his fans. Let's hope James will be beamed up to that great starship in the sky where all good trekkies go. "Aye captain".

This post also appeared at the daily FISK and Political Football.