I lost a childhood hero ... or did I? Certainly the creator, but not the creation?  Imaginary characters never die, do they?  After all, that's part of the purpose of creating: to leave something of your soul behind.  On the other hand, one more protective layer between me and infinity is gone.  That's how you know you're an elder ... when the hard questions come, and there's no one wiser or more experienced to ask, so all eyes turn to you.

Then this came up on the 'net, and made it even sadder.  Getting lonely here in Trekland: