Ron Glass Dies At 71

It seems there’s no end to the calamity 2016 can inflict.

I’ve just found out that Ron Glass, who played Shepherd Derrial Book on the acclaimed 2002 science fiction television series Firefly, has passed away at age 71. The cause of death has yet to be released.

Of all the celebrity deaths we’ve witnessed this year, this one is hitting me the hardest. I’m struggling to find words. I make no secret of the fact that I am a geek who takes inspiration from the geekiest of sources. I discovered Firefly in 2008, fresh after running away from home, when I was severely ill with an autoimmune flare-up and couldn’t do anything but watch videos on my laptop in bed. Firefly is a brilliant, near flawless piece of science fiction, all the performances were first rate, and Shepherd Book was one of my favorite characters. I repeat Book’s lines at awkward intervals every day around my house; they’re a comforting combination of faith-filled and cynical.

I can think of no better tribute than to let the character speak for himself:

In a blessed falling asleep, grant, O Lord, eternal rest unto Thy departed servant Ron, and  and make his memory to be eternal!

(image via wikimedia commons)