When an artist dies, we mourn not because we knew them, but because they helped us know ourselves.

I’m paraphrasing, of course, but I think there’s a lot of truth in that.  

For many of us, Star Trek is Family.  We lost our brother, Aron, and our grandmother, Dorothy.  Now, Uncle Rene joins them in the stars.

Star Trek has been one of the few consistent things for over 30 years in my largely inconsistent life.  It helped shape me, and gave me the strength to survive trauma many times over.

Tonight, I mourn our beloved Constable, but celebrate a life well-lived as well - one that was filled with art and beauty and humor.  Thank you for giving us Odo, Rene, and for sharing your many gifts with the world.  It was our privilege to witness them.