Let's give a big "honk" to Vern Fonk, who according to this report passed away at the too young age of 50.
His name was Rob Thielke, but to the millions of viewers who have watched late-night Seattle TV over the years he was the face of Vern Fonk.
And now associates say he passed away Sunday at age 50 after battling cancer.
Thielke worked for the Vern Fonk insurance agency for decades, and became the star of the Vern Fonk ads more than 20 years ago.
And oh dear lord, what marvelous commercials they were! Here's a classic that contains Vern's much beloved catchphrase "Shapoopi! Take that to bank!"
And this very strange and hilarious holiday commercial which celebrates(?) all religions.
People like Thielke are very much appreciated in this world of straight-laced advertising, and he will be sorely missed.