Leonard Nimoy, best known for his Star Trek role of Mr. Spock, was laid to rest in a private funeral service in L.A. on Sunday. Nimoy died Friday at the age of 83, having suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–known as COPD.
Being raised Jewish, Leonard Nimoy would normally have been buried 24 hours following his passing. Since Jewish tradition forbids the practice on Saturdays, he was laid to rest on Sunday instead.
Leonard Nimoy’s costar and dear friend William Shatner was unable to attend his funeral, sending his two daughters to attend in his place. Shatner had a prior charity commitment for the Red Cross in Florida on Saturday night, and couldn’t book a flight that would get him to L.A. in time for the service. The actor known for playing Captain Kirk came under fire for not changing his plans.
“@NYDailyNews: An early look at tomorrow's front page. http://t.co/ZDjADxLW48 pic.twitter.com/ijdwAwDw14” I want to share this. Let's discuss it
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
William Shatner reflected on Leonard Nimoy–his career and his friendship–during an interview with a Florida TV station, Local10.com.
“He did a lot of things. He inspired a lot of people. He was loved by a lot of people and he loved a lot of people,” Shatner said.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy starred together as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock a total of 107 times between the Star Trek’s 1966 TV debut and the 1991 release of Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country.
William Shatner wasn’t the only one to miss Leonard Nimoy’s funeral. Since the details were kept quiet, plans on behalf of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, who aimed to protest at the location, were foiled. The church gave up, and tweeted to their members that the location couldn’t be found.
Leonard Nimoy's funeral is today, but nobody is sharing WHERE. So Westboro AND @WilliamShatner can't attend 🙁 https://t.co/gF4CsqR2TI
— Westboro Baptist (@WBCSaysRepent) March 1, 2015
The family posted their heartfelt thanks to fans, friends, and family members via Facebook following Leonard Nimoy’s funeral.