Childhood Hero Died 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 Dwight J. Friesen September 19, 2001February 13, 2024