This post is for a friend who knew Joe Barbera and worked at Hanna-Barbera. While I didn’t know him personally, his cartoons (along with Hanna) were a big part of my childhood. Who doesn’t remember watching “The Flintstones” or “The Jetsons”? I particularly enjoyed “Snagglepuss” on Sunday mornings. There is one Snagglepuss cartoon where he’s being dragged around by a baby saying “Clabba clabba clabba kitty kitty kitty.” My sister said that a few times to a new cat we had, and it became the cat’s permanent name. She would only come to “Clabba.” Sunday mornings also brought us Yogi and Boo-boo and Yogi’s quest to fill his belly. I didn’t have many opportunities to laugh as child, so I remember laughing watching these cartoons. I haven’t seen any of these cartoons since I was a kid. I loved the Jetsons. I always thought when I grew up we’d be flying around in cars like the Jetsons. It was even a line in the movie “Singles.” But as you can see, it hasn’t happened yet. I liked Astro, and he’s a big reason that I have a Great Dane. Everyone assumes “Scooby” was the influence, but it was “Astro.” The cartoons captured the personalities of Great Danes.

I’m sure Joe Barbera lived a full life. If only we all could live to 95 or longer. I saw another nice tribute on Red Monkey’s blog. For a full obit, check out the Associated Press article.

Joe, you gave many of us creative and funny cartoons that we will remember all our lives. For me, your cartoons were a temporary escape from a too serious childhood.