10/30/2026
I grew up with the original Star Trek series, and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" premiered when I was nearly 20. I was never a hard-core Trekkie, but rather a nerd in general. Star Trek didn’t change my life the way it did for so many people. However, I did enjoy the stories and the characters over the years. I enjoyed the show and respected the characters…especially the character of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Especially as he was portrayed by Patrick Stewart, he was truly a man of stature, dignity, strength, and especially nobility, someone deserving of respect. Far more than Captain Kirk, Captain Picard was an intelligent, kind, and merciful person who preferred strategy and making peace rather than simply blowing up his enemies. Most important of all, nearly all of the characters played by Patrick Stewart were in the same vein. They were paragons of wisdom, civility, respectful of others, and especially supportive of ones who were treated like outcasts. This was the type of man that Patrick Stewart was. He wasn’t just playing these characters. He was playing himself. This showed him to be a good man, definitely deserving of the tributes and respects being given today.
Rest In Peace, Patrick Stewart. Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Professor Charles Xavier. Gurney Halleck. Sir Leondegrance. Ebenezer Scrooge. And many others...but most of all, Sir Patrick Stewart.