The Beloved Doctor Bones McCoy"
Submitted By: Tracy Kirk
Date: 06/15/1999

Bones McCoy was one of the greatest characters on Star Trek. This may sound kind of crazy, especially since this is a child's memory and I am well past childhood, but I thought of McCoy as my uncle. Not the relative uncle, but the uncle you would call one of your parents' best friend. Although I am still a teenager, I used to dream/envision Captain Kirk as my father and, in that way, Bones was my uncle. He was, in my dreams/visions, the only one that I could truly talk to, whether it be good or bad things I told him. I cried when I found out about DeForest, and I still cry today about it, and I probably will still cry in the future when I think about it. DeForest Kelley portrayed a character that is irreplaceable, and like the character, so is the actor. I wish I could've met De before he died, but I knew that would not happen until I was in or almost out of college. Now, just about to go to high school, he dies. I will never get the chance to tell him how much just being who he was and the character he played made my life different than what it was when I did not know what Star Trek was. And I could never tell him how much, deep down in my heart, I loved him as an uncle.

"Good Bye, Mr. Kelley"
Submitted By: Carl Vanhaesendonck
Date: 06/16/1999

Mr. Kelley is the kind of person you would like to have as friend or father. (I am 44.) I never had the pleasure to meet him. Just know that he is such a good person. I will miss him though I know he is not dead, he is just somewhere else now, exploring other dimensions of the Universe, perhaps realizing his dreams in this other reality. Good Bye De, see you later. And thank you for your wonderful contribution on this Earth, you helped millions of people to dream of a better world. How many of us could say that?

"DeForest Kelley Memories"
Submitted By: Alfred Taylor
Date: 06/16/1999

I am deeply saddened by the loss of DeForest Kelley, although I never met him, never knew him, he touched my life in ways I can't begin to imagine. When I was growing up, I watched with wide eyed wonder as he would heal the sick and banter with Spock over the value of good old human feelings. He brought a presence of character and his own personality to the role of Dr. McCoy, an intangible essence that somehow filtered through the television set and into my life. I feel like a part of me has died with him. He will be missed.

"DeForest Jackson Kelley"
Submitted By: Otto F. Horst
Date: 06/16/1999

Kelley brought humanism and ethics in a world of science and technology. These are values which we should take care of in our days. Without basic values like helpfulness, solidarity and kindness, all of the fascinating technological progress is futile. Good-bye, Bones.

"Good Bye Bones"
Submitted By: Dave Crawford
Date: 06/16/1999

I am one of the old Star Trek fans as well. Yes, I enjoyed all of the movies and have them all on tape, but to me the old series held the most meaning. They took on the problems of the world and solved it every time before the show was over. They not only entertained us, but taught us at the same time. They showed us the morals that were good and right and taught us that good really could triumph over evil if you just didn't give up. And there in the middle of this was Bones. Where would Kirk have been without his loyal and faithful friend's advice? What would Spock have done without Bones constantly getting him to look inward to those "human" feelings he tried so hard to suppress? DeForest's character I feel was probably a lot like the man himself. Always trying to teach, help, comfort and guide his fellow man. Always concerned with others' well being. Every time I look at one of the old series' shows I was always amazed at how he could portray and actually "be" Dr. McCoy. How passionate he was about healing and caring for someone. He was truly a very special man. I know that I have learned from him and will continue to watch those old shows. Maybe I can learn from him again. So, I say, Good Bye Bones. You are already missed so much.

"The End of a Legacy"
Submitted By: Dan Childs
Date: 06/16/1999

I sensed a year ago that it would not be long until one of the main characters passed on to the next adventure. I wrote Paramount and asked them to try to get one last movie on line. I am pleased they at least had the series narrated for the historical perspective. I understand that all things come to pass and have learned to accept this and deal with the "now" we call time; still, it is with melancholy that I reflect on DeForest Kelley's going. I am sure he is in a far better place but it is for us who remain to mourn...but not for too long. A legacy has ended equal to that of the Beatles. I believe History will regard Star Trek as an inspiration for our times and it will be studied just as great literature of the past is studied today...and so, it will live on!

"A Death in the Family"
Submitted By: Chuck Arrington, Jr.
Date: 06/16/1999

The loss of DeForest Kelley is a great one. While I never met him, I "grew up" with his character. For over 30 years he entertained us with Star Trek, and lent his genius to us in the form of whatever character he played in so many different roles. His legacy is one of warmth,compassion, integrity and a dedication to a craft, replete with the increasingly less talented. Dr. Leonard McCoy has been a staple within the Star Trek universe and will continue to be so. Losing a member of this great cast is like losing a dear friend. He will be more than missed. However, the spirit of DeForest Kelley will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who held this man in great and high esteem. So whenever you hear, "I'm a Doctor not a... " just smile and know that as much as he meant to us, we meant as much to him. Thanks DeForest, for making our lives a little brighter while you were here.

"DeForest Kelley"
Submitted By: Michael Doyle
Date: 06/16/1999

I can say nothing that will properly express my sadness about the passing of this man. May he rest in peace.

"I Will Miss You Dearly"
Submitted By: Marita Reiley
Date: 06/16/1999

Mr. Kelley meant the world to me because his role as Dr. McCoy has inspired me to become a doctor. My deepest sympathy to his wife Carolyn.

"DeForest Kelley"
Submitted By: Elaine Holloway
Date: 06/16/1999

I can't believe that DeForest Kelley has died. With all the Star Trek movies, I think a lot of people believe that they will all live forever - as long as we remember them, then I guess they will. He will be sadly missed but someone had to beam up to the ship first.

"DeForest 'Bones' Kelley"
Submitted By: Bernadette Lewicke
Date: 06/16/1999

My best friend of 31 years, that's right we met because of "Star Trek," called me the night she heard the news. I had not heard and listened in shock. I guess as silly as it seems, as a Classic Trekker, the stars of the show seemed as immortal as the the characters they played. I saw De for the first and only time about 6 or so years ago at a convention in Maryland. (Shoreleave). Bones was such a part of him. His country easy manner, his graciousness with the fans and most especially his poetry. I laughed at his poems which I had not known before then, that he had written poetry. His fan club was on hand with copies. I also was touched by the loving way he talked of Carolyn. They were truly soulmates. I was introduced to their charity as our fan runned conventions donate to the stars' charity, The North Shore Animal League. So the mighty "TRINITY" of Kirk, Spock & McCoy has become two. I am saddened by the news and my sympathy goes out to his family, friends and Trek fans the world over. As he joins those who have "Trekked " to the stars before him, "HE'S REALLY NOT DEAD AS LONG AS WE REMEMBER HIM!"