"He's really not dead as long as we remember him."
--Dr. Leonard H. McCoy
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Recommended Reading
From Sawdust To Stardust: The Biography Of DeForest Kelley, Star Trek's Dr. McCoy
By Terry Lee Rioux

Available now at your favorite local or online bookseller

Reflections

"The One Called DeForest Kelley"
Submitted By: Tygrrius (The Film Frontier)
Date: 06/13/1999

"In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million-million galaxies like this. And in all of that, and perhaps more, only one of each of us." --Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, "Balance of Terror"

This is a good-bye that I hoped never to have to write. I grew up watching you . . . and never stopped watching. Losing you is almost like losing a member of the family. I'll regret that I never had the honor to meet you in person, but I'll always remember the smiles you brought to me and so many others over the years. The universe will never be the same without you, DeForest. Farewell.

"In Memory of DeForest Kelley"
Submitted By: Eric Brones
Date: 06/13/1999

I grew up with the Original Star Trek, unlike today's younger generation whose first experience with Star Trek is usually found with the Next Generation crew. And while I have enjoyed The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and, to a lesser extent, Voyager, the original crew will always have a special place in my Heart. Especially the one by the name of Dr. McCoy. De, you captured our hearts and imaginations, your kindness and gentle demeanor will not be forgotten nor the Legacy of television and films you leave behind. DeForest you will be missed more than you could ever know.

"The Good Doctor"
Submitted By: Jacob Macedo
Date: 06/13/1999

We will all miss DeForest Kelley. He left a great mark on Star Trek and it would have never been the same without him. As Captain Kirk said in Star Trek Generations, "because while you're there, you can make a difference." DeForest, you truly made a difference. Thank You.

"Dr. McCoy"
Submitted By: Diane Bellomo
Date: 06/14/1999

Seems silly, I guess, to feel so sad about the passing of a man I never knew, but there it is. "Bones" was my favorite, simple as that. Certainly, none of us live forever, and Doc McCoy himself would agree with that. But it doesn't mean it won't hurt any less when I watch an original episode now.

"Beloved 'Bones'"
Submitted By: Julie Kratzer
Date: 06/14/1999

It is hard to believe that our beloved "country doctor" is gone. He will be greatly missed. Talked recently with a mutual friend at my church who knew "De" very well. Her eyes swelled as we discussed her deep and abiding friendship with this gentle man. It is too bad that I never had the pleasure of meeting this "country gentleman" in person. I know that I will finally meet him when our Lord comes back. My sincerest regards to his lovely wife, Carolyn.

"Bones"
Submitted By: Beth Dassatt
Date: 06/14/1999

I am also of the generation of "older" fans and have had the pleasure of enjoying all the Star Trek incarnations. I feel I must add my farewell to DeForest Kelley. I will feel saddened to see the episodes now. Won't keep me from watching though - still enjoy all but feel especially close to the originals. You will be missed and thank you for all the years of a really special character.

"Farewell"
Submitted By: Costantino
Date: 06/14/1999

I think Star Trek will join up the world in only one Nation. I am an old fan of the original series. From all Italian fans, farewell Leonard "Bones" McCoy.

"I Admit It, I Cried"
Submitted By: jeanmank
Date: 06/15/1999

I was really stunned by my reaction to DeForest Kelley's passing. I'm one of the original boomer viewers, and remember reading about the new sci-fi series in the TV Guide way back in 1966. I and my five sibs looked forward to watching Star Trek every Friday night. That was grocery shopping night at our house back in Norwalk, CT, and my mom would just be arriving back with the food by then. After we helped unload the stuff, she'd give us each two or three tangerines and we'd run downstairs to our beloved show. I will always associate the smell and taste of that fruit with Star Trek. To this day, we STILL joke about how "Bones" managed to say "He's dead, Jim" in nearly EVERY episode. A couple of years ago, I brought the house down at my job by yelling out at a tense moment, in a wide open room, "I'm an editor, dammit, not a meteorologist!" Needless to say, they got the joke. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kelley. I was surprised to learn that he really DID want to be a doctor. Perhaps that made his performance all the more believable. We'll miss him.

"De's Passing"
Submitted By: Kerry Ramirez
Date: 06/15/1999

I never had a chance to see him in person, but I will miss him, nevertheless. He was what made "Star Trek" special. I remember seeing him and Leonard and Bill on a Johnny Carson show several years ago. De seemed out of place, not part of the "Hollywood" crowd. He seemed a little timid or intimidated about being there. Bill was his usual "larger than life"self, while Leonard was concerned about how De felt to be a guest on the show. Leonard took De's hand and held it while they were sitting next to each other on Johnny's couch. I thought it was so kind of Leonard to do that, and it was equally generous of De to accept that act of friendship so graciously. (I always knew there was a "very kind" Mr. Spock inside of Leonard!) Maybe it's because I am also a southerner, but I sensed a great deal of the "southern gentleman" in Dr. McCoy, as if it were more than just a characterization. When De said his lines in "Amok Time," when he and Leonard and Bill were in the turbo lift just before beaming down to Vulcan, and Spock asked Bones to stand with him at his wedding, Bones said, "I would be honored, sir." And you KNEW he meant it. That was the true DeForest Kelley, summed up in a few words. I would have been honored to know you De, if I had ever had the chance. I feel as if I know you now. I will miss you very much.