The brightness of humanity dims by one inimitable candle with the recent passing of Barry Morse. It's refreshing to find such heartfelt support pouring out for this dear man, particularly among nerdy science types moved deeply by his life and his work. Every account about the man reveals an intelligent, amiable person full of warm, genuine feeling, devoted to his family, capable of compelling work affecting millions of people. If there's any better purpose for a human than to inspire others I haven't found it, generating a positive feedback that will take us to the stars.

Cutting his acting chops on Shakespeare and Shaw, Morse moved to become a staple on Canadian television in the 1950's until landing a part on "The Fugitive" show that elevated him to international recognition. That role also brought him a degree of notoriety not so much unwelcome as unexpected, as playing the dogged Lt. Gerard chasing the innocent Dr. Kimble enraged sympathetic American audiences, some of whom (unable to separate the performer from the performance) accosted Morse publicly. His film appearances were few in number in contrast to his skill, but never dull (one of my favorites, often overlooked, is "The Changeling").

Back to the nerdy science types, who idolize his immortal role as the avuncular Dr. Victor Bergman in the SF classic "Space:1999." (Scanning back over three hundred columns I can barely find any mention of Space:1999, that needs to be fixed.) The science backing the moon-blasting premise is laughably outrageous, but Morse maintains such a sincere angle on Victor Bergman that the matter never collapses in his presence. Today many of the first season episodes remain highly enjoyable (in context of period television!) though just as many (if not more) fans consider the second year of the program to be unwatchable, not the least reason for which is his absence.

Spock is certainly an epitome of cool yet in very important ways Victor Bergman equals or exceeds him without pointed ears yet with an irresistible smile. No matter how hard we tried we could never hope to be Spock, the Vulcan. It's a matter of blood. But with work, respect and integrity we can aspire to be Victor, the friendly scientist, never afraid to say he doesn't know, his mind never closed to new ideas. In his own words: "For we have learned much in our journeys, but most of all that we have so much to learn." Rest in peace Barry Morse, until you find something as interesting to teach us.