Star Trek's “Scotty” gets beamed up to final resting place

By M&C News Jul 25, 2006, 16:07 GMT

The late James Doohan, famous for his role as “Scotty” on the iconic series Star Trek, will have his remains blasted into space in October.

Canadian Doohan played chief engineer Scotty in the series, and had passed away on July 20 2005 at aged 85.  The star requested that his remains be launched into orbit, as a tribute to his most famous role.

According to IMDB.com, Doohan was a veteran in World War II.  He Landed on Juno Beach on D-Day with the Royal Canadian Artillery. While making a trek walking across a mine field, he and his unit were attacked by German artillery and enemy fire.

Doohan was hit by bullets to the leg, his middle finger of his right hand was shot off, and a bullet struck his chest. According to the IMDB.com biography, “his life was saved when it hit a silver cigarette case which had been given to him by his brother.”

Doohan was included with many WWII veterans who thanked director Steven Spielberg for not the realism of the Normandy Invasion scene in the film Saving Private Ryan.

Houston-based space burial firm, Space Services, had originally planned to blast Doohan's remains into the earth's atmosphere last year, but the proposed trip had to be delayed so further tests could be carried out on the rocket.

Space Services spokesperson, Susan Schonfeld, has now confirmed a flight carrying Doohan's ashes and the remains of 100 other people, including astronaut Gordon Cooper - will take place.
 
To mark the intergalactic 'burial', Doohan’s family will hold a service for 'Star Trek' fans so they can pay their final respects to the much-loved star.