Harold Ramis, AKA Dr. Egon Spengler, has died at the age of 69

     It's always sad when someone whose work we appreciate passes away, but it hits a different level when that person is one of your childhood heroes. Mr. Ramis was one of mine. Honestly, one of the first things I can ever remember really caring about is Ghostbusters. It's one of the first movies I can vividly recall watching and there has never been a period in my life when Ghostbusters wasn't one of my favorite films (it constantly battles with Raiders of the Lost Ark for the title of my favorite movie). Mr. Ramis was a comedian, writer, and director who helped to create some of the most well loved comedies of all time: Caddyshack, Stripes, Vacation, Animal House, Groundhog Day, and of course, Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II. He was also a husband and a father to three children and an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

     But you know what? When my father texted me to inform me of the news, all I could think was that Egon Spengler died. I know that might sound rather silly or shallow, but that actually brought me to tears. I think it's indisputable that Dr. Egon Spengler was Ramis' most well know and beloved role. I don't know that any film cast could ever capture the chemistry and character that Ramis, Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, and Ernie Hudson brought to their roles as the Ghostbusters. There's never been a point in my life when the Ghostbusters weren't, to me, the epitome of cool. I know of nothing else to do but to watch the films tonight and to share a list of the greatest Egon Spengler quotes with you, after the break. Share them with friends and coworkers today and everyday in memory of Harold. Prayers and sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fellow Ghostbusters.


The Portable Spengler- A Dr. Egon Spengler quote for every occasion

When confronted by a giant marshmallow man....
"Sorry, Venkman, I'm terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought."

When operating an unlicensed nuclear accelerator along with your friends....
"Don't cross the streams." "It would be bad." " Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light."

When asked about your hobbies....
"I collect spores, molds, and fungus."

When someone stops you from drilling a hole in your own head....
"That would have worked if you hadn't stopped me."

When determining if someone needs your Ghostbusting services...
"Do you experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic?"

When trying to convey the seriousness and scale of a massive, paranormal event on the horizon...
"Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. Based on this morning's sample, it would be a Twinkie... thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds."

When the EPA tries to shut you down....
"Your mother!"

Whenever someone evil deity tells you they're a god....
"We eat Gods for breakfast!"

When asked if you ever owned a Slinky....
"We had part of a Slinky. But I straightened it"

And, whenever asked a question where the answer is affirmative:
"Is the atomic weight of cobalt 58.9?"

Whenever someone says, Doh and Re, you say....
"Egon!"

When someone is in the way...
"We'd like to shoot the monster. Could you move, please?"

Whenever someone ask you if they're right and calls you Ziggy....
"Yo!"