Ben Frier, long-time Star Trek fan and Web site denizen, passed away on February 1. He was 44.

Ben, who grew up in Oklahoma, was one of the first dedicated fans to join the "Star Trek: Continuum" when it launched in July of 1996. This new and official Star Trek Web site, the forerunner to STARTREK.COM, was initially available only via subscription to the Microsoft Network. Before long, Ben became a popular fixture in the online Trek community, actively participating in the message boards and live chat rooms. He was engaged by Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) as a community moderator, or SysOp, to moderate the message boards and host discussions in the Starfleet Lounge chat room.

It was in the Lounge that he met Sylvia Colson, a kindred fan from Massachusetts. Their on-line acquaintance turned into a courtship, which then blossomed into romance when Syl visited Ben in Oklahoma. A few months later — on the November 1996 premiere date for "Star Trek: First Contact" — they were married. In keeping with the online nature of their relationship, the wedding was held in the Starfleet Lounge with their cyber-friends from around the world in attendance.

The couple set up housekeeping in Ipswich, Mass. and continued working together in the online community. Syl and Ben (or "Lwaxana" and "Mr. Homn," as they were known online) each hosted a weekly chat on their favorite series.

In November of 1998, the couple decided to take a vacation and headed out to Hollywood to visit their friends at PDE. Highlights of the trip included visiting the room that had hosted numerous celebrity chats (see photo), a tour of the Star Trek: Voyager sets plus an impromptu meeting with Jeri Ryan, and a screening of "Star Trek: Insurrection" in the Paramount Theater on its premiere weekend.

Former site producer Guy Vardaman told us, "Ben's enthusiasm and commitment to Star Trek was inspirational and made him a joy to work with in the chat rooms. He was always ready with a quote or a reference in his work to keep the chat rooms active and lively places for fellow fans to 'hang out.' He will be sorely missed by his fellow 'Lounge Lizards.' Ben, may the Great Bird of the Galaxy bless your soul."

We fondly remember the spirit of friendship that Ben brought to the online Star Trek community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sylvia, their extended family, and his many friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, 177 Ward Hill Avenue, Ward Hill, MA 01835.