Time has finally run out for Dr. Death.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who has assisted in numerous suicides for terminally ill patients, stayed stonefaced as the guilty verdict for second-degree murder was delivered in the Pontiac, Mich., courtroom Friday.

The suicide in question was the death of Thomas Youk, to whom Kevorkian gave a lethal injection while “60 Minutes” cameras were rolling.

The reading of the verdict was one of the few times that the 70-year-old doctor has remained silent.

An aggressive proponent of euthanasia, Kevorkian has been through five trials challenging his crusade to assist patients with their suicides.

Some have called the doctor, who almost dared the police to arrest him after Youk’s death, an egomaniac who thrives on the media attention that has been bestowed on him. And they are right.

However, you can’t choose the person behind the cause. It’s unfortunate that Kevorkian has become a show pony for euthanasia, a man who wanted to become a martyr for his cause instead of an activist.

But there is little doubt that he believes in what he has done.

Just because Kevorkian has behaved outlandishly during his courtroom dramas doesn’t change the fact that Youk, like Kevorkian’s other cases, was in extreme pain and wanted to die.

Although it may sound ridiculous to insinuate that Kevorkian has “given killing a bad name,” that isn’t too far from the truth.

Euthanasia is a serious issue, one that shouldn’t be dismissed because of Kevorkian’s antics. If Youk, or any other of the “victims,” wanted to end their suffering, that’s their decision.

Choosing to take one’s life is a very personal act and shouldn’t be swept under the table because people are offended by Kevorkian’s theatrics.

Kevorkian recognized the complexity behind euthanasia. Indeed, if there are people who believe that Kevorkian is a hero, it’s the families of those he has helped.

The Youk family was incensed that they were not able to testify at Kevorkian’s trial. They still support the man who threatened to go on a hunger strike during his tenure in jail.

And now that the man behind one of the most controversial issues of this decade may spend the rest of his life in prison, there is a chance that the debate surrounding assisted suicide may subside.

Silence about such an issue is more dangerous than “Dr. Death” could ever be.