THE CREATOR of the Scooby Doo franchise has passed away at the age of 82.
Ken Spears founded the immensely popular cartoon under Ruby-Spears productions with friend Joe Ruby, who also passed away in August of this year.
Mr Spears's son, Kevin, told US entertainment magazine Variety that his father had sadly passed away on Friday, November 6 due to complications with Lewy body dementia.
Ken Spears's creation helped shape the childhood of millions of children across the world and across multiple generations-- first created in 1969, the Scooby Doo franchise has led to multiple reboots, cartoon series, live-actions movies, games, spin-offs and much more, over six decades.
Irish children in articular will remember it playing on The Den daily, both early in the morning and once school had finished.
President of Warner Bros. Animation and Carton Network Studios, Sam Register, wrote a statement offering his condolences following the news of the Scooby Doo creator's passing.
He said:
"Warner Bros. Animation is saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Spears and we send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones.
"He was a true innovator in the industry whose gifts of humor and storytelling continue to delight audiences. You cannot find a screen in the world that has not played a version of Scooby-Doo.
"We continue to be inspired by his work at Warner Bros. Animation and are honored to carry on the legacy of his beloved characters."
The official Scooby Doo Facebook page also posted a message and picture in tribute to Ken Spears, writing simply:
"Thank you, Ken Spears, for co-creating a classic animated series that continues to impact generations."
Thank you, Ken Spears, for co-creating a classic animated series that continues to impact generations.
Posted by Scooby-Doo on Monday, 9 November 2020
Mr Spears is survived by his children and grandchildren.
