Saddened to learn of the death of Ernie Coombs, forever known to me as Mr. Dressup. Ernie Coombs died on September 18, 2001 after suffering a stroke a few days earlier.
I suppose Mr. Dressup was Canada’s Mr. Rogers, and I simply loved him… because I truly believed Mr. Dressup loved me. I recently learned that he had actually worked with Fred Rogers for a time.
Mr. Dressup, together with puppets Cassey, and Cassey’s dog Finnegan, who lived in a tree house behind Mr. Dressup’s home, filled me with imagination and a love for playing dress up. The “Tickle Trunk” was always full of costumes, wigs, hats, and just about anything a person would need to put on a play, try a different identity, or just have fun. Personally, I loved his arts and craft projects. He felt like a kind, calm, and safe person.
I am so grateful that I had Mr. Dressup in my life as a kid. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace, dwight
