"My Memories"
Submitted By: Linda Cooper
Date: 06/18/1999

I have to admit that it was my brother, who was 15 when the show started in '66 and I was 12, who was initially interested in Star Trek, but it didn't take too long for me to follow. Initially, I liked all the characters/actors on the show in an equal manner. It wasn't until I first saw the the 5th Star Trek movie on television in February of 1990 that I really began to become a big fan of De Kelley. I can't really say what it was, but I guess my eyes finally woke up to the fact that he was the best thing to happen to the show. Once I was able to get online, I checked out all and everything about him that I could. As time went on, and he got older, I realized that he wouldn't live forever, but still when the reality of it happened, I was devastated. I wasn't aware that he had been sick for the last several months, but ironically, there were times during this period when I would get a sinking feeling about his health (usually late at night) and pray that he was alright. On the evening of June 11th, I had the news on the TV in the kitchen. At about 10:15PM, I had gone into another room and as I was returning, all I had heard was the name "DeForest Kelley", "Dr. McCoy" and that he WAS 79 years old. Although I didn't hear any mention of the words "die" or "death", I was certain that's what happened. My husband was working until midnight, so I decided to get online to check it out. Sure enough, the worst had happened. I started crying right in front of my computer. Last night, Thursday, 6/17/99, was the first time that I was able to watch anything Star Trek. Although I still feel quite devastated at his loss, I am glad that he is no longer suffering. And at least we still have the various TV programs, specials and movies that he appeared in. Although it's not the same as having him around, at least it's something - until we all meet up in the Final Frontier of Heaven!! And God Speed to his wife, Carolyn!! Live Long And Prosper Bones!!

"He Is The Best"
Submitted By: Craig Brown
Date: 06/18/1999

I always thought that McCoy was the best on TOS. He always will be.

"Reflections On A Gentle Man"
Submitted By: MTR1701
Date: 06/19/1999

To my everlasting regret, I never had the opportunity to meet DeForest Kelley. Ironically, this very afternoon we saw an excellent documentary film, "Trekkies," in which Kelley is interviewed. As always, he came across as a decent, kind man with a delightful sense of humor. It was a privilege to share the same planet with him. He will be remembered.

"Mr. Kelley"
Submitted By: Phil Oliver
Date: 06/20/1999

I haven't felt such a profound loss since the death of John Lennon. I also am a native of Atlanta and always could identify with that Southern charm Bones, and Mr. Kelley, displayed.

"All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity." --Hamlet

"Thanks for the Memories"
Submitted By: Michael Kelley
Date: 06/21/1999

I know that sounds like a Bob Hope line, but it certainly applies here. DeForest, you made a lasting impression on my life as well as millions of others. May God be with you as you journey to the "Undiscovered Country."

"The Final Frontier"
Submitted By: 920885
Date: 06/21/1999

We all know the saying "Space: the final frontier," but at times like this we realize that it is the voyage to the other side that is truly the final frontier. Indeed we are all saddened by the recent death of DeForest Kelley, who to most of us is better known as Doctor Leonard H. McCoy. It is true that not many people know what the "H" stands for, but I think it stands for "Hero." Because that's just what he was: a hero - one who cures pain and sorrow. As Doctor McCoy, he cured pain with his medical instruments (which resembled salt shakers), and Deforest Kelley cured sorrow with his wild and witty sense of humor. What I'm trying to say is that we will miss you, "Bones."

"Bones"
Submitted By: Jim Kopesky
Date: 06/21/1999

DeForest was a great actor and this makes me deeply saddened, but his memories will live on in our hearts and in Star Trek reruns.

"He's Dead, Jim"
Submitted By: wjhanna
Date: 06/21/1999

Those were the first words I heard in my car on the morning radio show when I learned DeForest Kelley had died. I didn't find my morning guy's comment funny. I knew DeForest was older than most of the original cast, but had no idea he was in ill health. The one time I saw DeForest was in Washington, DC, with my finance' back in 1987. He was jovial. He enjoyed talking with the crowd and their sometimes inane questions. He read some of his poetry, which was quite good. I bought a copy of the poetry booklet, which he signed. He seemed like a very genuine person and I am glad to have met him, however so informally and briefly. He will be greatly missed.

"deMan"
Submitted By: SJ
Date: 06/23/1999

I'm another from the old Starfleet school. Grew up with Kirk, Spock, Bones and the rest of the Enterprise crew. Wherever you are, Bones, you were one of the best.

"DeForest & Bones"
Submitted By: Rose
Date: 06/23/1999

Some will say that it is not normal for so many to mourn a man they never knew, but I find that silly. You see, I was born a Trekkie. I spent most of my time with Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy. My father, who died this January, made sure I did not just know them but also the real men who brought them to me. As a teen, everyone goes through things but I, like so many others, have always had an extra edge. I not only had my parent to help me but the honest influence of a kind, caring country doctor who made it all seem worthwhile. An actor whose true life and the character he made so real told me that there was hope for the future, and I could help make it happen. I thank him from the depths of my soul - this great man who touched so many lives by just being himself and a country doctor.

"DeForest Kelley"
Submitted By: Andy Young
Date: 06/24/1999

If there is one person who it could be said brought a sense of reality to the fantasy world that is Star Trek, it would be DeForest Kelley. Even with all the latest gadgets and modern technologies at hand, his character, DR McCoy, gave off the presence of being, in his words, "just a good old country doctor." However many light years they strayed away from base, it was his quality of being "down to Earth," that conveyed a sense of "home." A great actor has departed, stage left. He will be sadly missed. I feel as others do, that the British press have made little or no mention of his passing. My condolences on behalf of them, I convey to Carolyn, his wife. Although I never knew him personally, I feel that over the years, he and the other members of the cast have been like friends to me.

"The Man Who Could Cure a Rainy Day"
Submitted By: Emmanuelle Bruneteaux
Date: 06/25/1999

The French fans will miss the "man who could cure a rainy day." This so beautiful star has begun his trek to heaven. I am proud to say that if I have always love sciences it was because I have always wanted to become a scientist like the so human Doctor Leonard H. McCoy. I will miss you Mister DeForest.