One of the most respected names in animation, Bill Melendez, passed away Tuesday at the age of 91. It was not a surprise to those who knew him — he'd been in poor health for several years now — but it still comes as a jolt.
Bill was, of course, known for his work on the Charlie Brown specials, for which he won eight Emmy Awards, 17 nominations and a shelf full of other awards. Even before that gig came into his life, he was a legend in the cartoon business, having animated for Disney, Warner Brothers and other studios, and on a vast amount of acclaimed commercials. As I noted here, Bill animated (and hid his name in) the opening titles for the movie, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World — one of many films he worked on.
Obits like this one can give you more details on his amazing career so I'll just add a personal note. I worked with Bill on a few occasions, including once producing a TV special in which we cast him as an actor…to play an animation director. He was fairly convincing in the role.
I don't know anyone who didn't love Bill, both as a person and as a maker of cartoons. He was delightful, funny and very much dedicated to producing the best possible work. Once again, too damn many of the good guys are dying on us.