Leonard Nimoy as Spock by Shawn Proctor

Leonard Nimoy as Spock by Shawn Proctor – Used with permission

We all learned a lot from Leonard Nimoy and his most famous character: Spock.

A staple of “Star Trek” fandom, Nimoy played the fish-out-of-water character so well that it was impossible not to relate to Spock. Off screen, he was kind, gracious, and well-respected by his fans and co-stars. I never got to meet him, but I get the feeling that he was the kind of person who was an appreciative – and appreciated – legend.

His last tweet says it best.

Many others tweeted about Nimoy, including celebrities and the president. Nimoy’s Twitter account, presumably managed by his family and/or team, continues to retweet tributes and kind messages.

President Obama said:

Our own contributor Wes had this to share about the beloved actor:

Nimoy fans say goodbye

Tony, a Nimoy fan, says goodbye. #LLAP

And on Facebook, contributors, editors, friends, and fans of The Geek Initiative had many kind words regarding Nimoy, his life, and his legacy:

“Galvitron you shall be missed and Spock shall forever live in the continuum.” – Sean Burke

“Literally dozens of people, some I have not spoken to in years, are texting and emailing me, frantic – like we’re all distant relatives and our favorite uncle just died.” – Penelope Pendragon

“‘I have been, and always shall be, your friend.’ Right in my geekhood…” – Tony Knight

“There are some people who, even as public figures have become such constants in our lives, whose works have had such profound impact on us that their passing leaves painful gap. In some ways it is like the loss of a family member and some of it is a loss of ourselves. Goodbye Leonard Nimoy, you were one of those.” – Jared Hansen

“Through his epic role as Spock, Leonard Nimoy taught us the value and importance in logic, emotions, loyalty, and most importantly friendship. ‘Live long and Prosper.’ ‘I have been, and always shall be, your friend.'” – Susan Giles

“He played a character for 47 years. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of anyone else who has accomplished that kind of longevity. He was Spock before I was born and throughout my entire life, he was truly a legend and will be greatly missed.” – Eric Gallifrey

“My introduction to Leonard Nimoy was watching the show In Search Of. Thus began my fascination with all things mysterious and unexplained. His was a unique voice that frequently gave me goose bumps as a kid and while I loved him as Spock and Dr. William Bell on Fringe, my fondest memories of him will be those of him guiding me In Search Of the next mystery. RIP Mr. Nimoy. You shall be greatly missed.” – Heidi Zelch

“We have lost an amazing talent today, not just in the world of Star Trek, but in entertainment as a whole. He had his hands in many of the performing mediums throughout his life: acting, directing, writing, and photographing, and I must say that I was amazed by the number of things that he had done in his life. When it comes down to it, he lived the mantra that made him famous: he lived long and prospered. I’m sure I echo the thoughts of throngs of fans across sci-fi when I say that Leonard Nimoy will truly be missed.” – Matt Freechack

Our contributor Brandon Rieckhoff said he’d always remember Nimoy’s “awesome/wacky” ballad:

“I grew up with Star Trek. While Captain Kirk was my dad, Mr Spock was my wise mentor, the voice of my conscience, the soul to Kirk’s heart. He spoke with the voice of principle throughout much of the series. As my mom ran the show on our black and white TV on WPIX-11, while I ate hamburger helper Spock helped to form my essential morality – ‘Change is the essential process of all existence,’ Spock answers to Frank Gorsham’s Minister Bele in ‘Let That Be Your Last Battlefield’ on whether or not people can change. Spock represents throughtulness, dignity, questioning, sacrifice, so many good qualities.” – Chris Bell

“This sort of thing happens when people age, but I’m very sad. I had a chance to see him live at Wolf Trap park in Virginia about 10 years ago. It was for a sci fi themed orchestral show that he narrated. He was awesome. The entire audience flashed him “live long and prosper” and he was kind enough to give it back.” – Joann McKinney Cerullo

“I keep playing back the close to the Wrath of Khan in my head. I remember watching that scene through tears as a kid, telling my dad there was no way Spock could die. I feel a similar way today. Nimoy wasn’t always Mr. Spock but he was always a friend to the fans, and he was the type of actor who could embrace the role he was given and love it for life. I learned so much about life from the Original Series and that was in part because of him. My heart is much heavier today. Live long and prosper.” – Amanda LaFranco

“Beautiful and powerful. (I also find his timing rather amusing. As though he was pissed off about the illogical debate about the dress, he found a way to shut everyone up.)…I didn’t realize he was a photographer. He was for body positive acceptance for women. Also what NASA said today was great. He inspired generations to dream and follow those careers that were geeky, because it was okay to be who you were.” – Rebecca Lisi

“I was too young to watch the original Star Trek when it first aired, but as a child I rose early on the weekends to watch reruns of the series, the cartoon on Nickolodeon and Mr. Nimoy’s own series about movie-making, Lights, Camera–Action! Leonard Nimoy was the first actor I knew by name, and his work in both Star Trek and Lights, Camera–Action! helped shape my interest in science fiction media for the rest of my life. It would be impossible to overplay the impact he had on numerous generations of fans, but I’m sure each and every one has a story like mine and they are feeling his loss just as keenly.” – Joie Martin

“His last tweet was beautiful.” – Melissa Teta

“Leonard Nimoy could have been the C3PO of Star Trek. But instead of bumbling, he brought a quiet dignity to Spock. It was so difficult to see him dying at the end of Star Trek II and even more difficult now, knowing there won’t be a voyage home for him this time. He is one with the stars now, somewhere beyond where we can see. But his gift to us–the challenge to reach Mars, to go further–still awaits. We owe it to Mr. Nimoy to boldly go. To make his fictions real. And to him, I echo his dying words from the film: ‘You will always be my friend.'” – Shawn Proctor

“Thanks, Mr. Nimoy, for making me feel like it was okay to be a little different long before that was the cool thing to do.” – Tara Clapper