Ken Spears, who co-created the character of ‘Scooby-Doo’ passed away at the age of 82 on Friday.
After Gene Deitch’s (creator of Tom & Jerry and Popeye the Sailor) death, Spears’ death is something every 90s kid can relate to, given how addicted they were to Cartoon Network and watching Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Doo.
Spears also created Saturday Morning Kids programming at CBS and ABC, all with his longtime creative partner, Joe Ruby. He is a four-time Daytime Emmy nominee as well.
According to details, Ken died in Brea, California, of complications from Lewy body dementia, his son, Kevin confirmed. His passing comes less than three months after Scooby-Doo’s other co-creator Ruby died on August 26.
In a statement, his son Kevin said: “Ken will forever be remembered for his wit, his storytelling, his loyalty to family and his strong work ethic.”
“Ken has not only made a lasting impression on his family, but he has touched the lives of many as co-creator of Scooby-Doo. Ken has been a role model for us throughout his life and he will continue to live on in our hearts,” he went on to say.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation called Spears “a true innovator in the industry.”
Our childhood’s favorite Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! was first aired on CBS in September 1969.
