It was Captain Kangaroo and NOT Mister Rogers who helped form my childhood. I don't even recall seeing Fred Rogers' program until I was in my twenties. Since I don't have this connection I guess I'm not as touched by his passing as those millions of kids who did 'know' him growing up. However, I can appreciate all that he did for children and for children's programming over the years.

While Bob Keeshan became the good Captain, Fred Rogers WAS Mister Rogers. He didn't need makeup to transform he simply entered the set and was himself.

Hats off to a man who dedicated his life to making children's television more than an excuse to sell merchandise.