Rest In Play - 2020 - 2029

Holocaust Survivor, Inventor, Artist, Author, Puzzler and so much more. From Bob Fuhrer, "It’s with great sorrow to share that the legendary Ivan Moscovich has passed away just shy of his 97th birth...day. Ivan’s life story is among the most remarkable tales of survival having barely survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen and 2 other camps to become an internationally known and acclaimed inventor, puzzler, author and artist.Show more

Chief Creative Officer of collectibles company Kidrobot, Iconic Graphic Artist Behind Album Covers Including the Offpsring’s ‘Americana,’ Dies at 61. Kozik’s death was confirmed by his wife Sh...aron, who did not give a cause of death but said his passing was “unexpected.” In a statement she said: “We are devastated to inform you that Frank Kozik passed away unexpectedly this past Saturday. Frank was a man larger than himself, an icon in each of the genres he worked in. He dramatically changed every industry he was a part of. He was a creative force of nature. We are so beyond lucky and honored to have been part of his journey and he will be missed beyond what words could ever express.” “He loved his wife, his cats, classic muscle cars, mentoring others and Disneyland. His forceful presence will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy, like all great masters, will love on through his art and our memories of him. More info on a memorial service will come soon. For now, we ask you please respect our privacy during this trying time.” Born on Jan. 9, 1962 in Madrid, Spain, Kozik spent his formative years growing up under Spain’s fascist dictator Franco. As a teenager, he moved to the U.S., living first in Sacramento with his father before joining the Air Force, which saw him stationed in Austin. A self-taught artist, in his late teens he began creating artwork for friends’ bands, starting with black and white flyers pasted to telephone poles. He soon moved into concert posters, including large silkscreen prints, for bands such as Pearl Jam, The White Stripes, The Beastie Boys, Green Day, Neil Young and Nirvana. He also directed a number of music videos, among them Soundgarden’s “Pretty Noose.” Kozik eventually started his own record label, Man’s Ruin Records, releasing over 200 singles and albums by artists including the Sex Pistols and Queens of the Stone Age (whose debut single was released through Man’s Ruin Records). Kozik also designed most of the artwork. In the early 1990s Kozik closed his label to focus on other media, including toys and collectibles. He became chief creative office of collectibles company Kidrobot, designing over 500 limited edition figures including his iconic Labbit characters (vinyl smoking rabbits) for which he collaborated with licensees such as D.C. and Marvel to create superhero-inspired versions.Show more

Dina Norlund, born in Oslo, Norway, in 1995, passed away on February 22, 2023, at the age of 27. She is most well known for her graphic novel, The Snowcat Prince, and also regularly posted drawing tut...orials on her Youtube channel with over 175,000 subscribers.Show more

Ian Falconer, born in 1959, has passed away on March 7, 2023. An American author well known for his books about Olivia, the Energetic Piglet, Falconer was a designer of opera sets and cover drawer for... the New York Times throughout his life.Show more

Stan Resnicoff was an accomplished musician, children's book author, and artist. He worked most notably for Mattel and for Educational Insights as an educational software designer. Described by those ...close to him as smart and funny, he will be dearly missed.Show more

Lance Reddick, born June 7, 1982, passed away on March 17, 2023. Well known for his role as Cedric Daniels in The Wire, the actor has also been featured in Fringe, Bosch, the John Wick franchise, and ...Angel has Fallen.Show more

Steven W. Smith has sadly passed away this year due to complications from heart surgery. A notable professional in the public relations field, Smith was most famous for creating the public relations c...ampaign that launched Teddy Ruxpin, an iconic and classic '80s toy.Show more

Dana Weiss, 82, peacefully passed away on February 9, 2023, at home in Rockwall, Texas surrounded by his family. Dana was born to Fred and Marion Weiss on November 24, 1940 in Lakewood, Ohio. After... graduating from Avon Lake High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United Coast Guard and served from 1959 to 1963. He completed basic training at Cape May, New Jersey, and then transferred to Petty Officer's school in Groton, Connecticut. He specialized in electronics and communication technology. He was based in Galveston, Texas during Hurricane Carla in 1961. At the end of his enlistment, he received the CG Good Conduct Medal for exemplary service during his tenure. Following his USCG service, he returned home and began a sales position with Beechnut and Lifesaver. In 1966, he joined Mattel Toys, Inc. serving as Vice-President of domestic sales. He supervised toy sales to over 2,550 Wal-Mart Stores nationwide until his retirement in 2000. Read More...Show more

SVP of Sales at Schylling, died on March 13, 2023, mere weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. The 56-year-old executive dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the industry, the past three of w...hich have been spent growing the reach of classic toy brands, including NeeDoh, Big Wheel, and more. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bryan … he was a dynamic leader, steadfast partner, and a cherished friend,” says Paul Weingard, President, and CEO at Schylling. “Bryan loved his work and loved his team, and we are thankful for all he has done for us. We will continue his legacy at Schylling as we honor and remember this extraordinary man.” Bendavid entered the toy industry as an account executive at Russ Berrie & Co., eventually growing his profile and taking on leadership roles at companies including GUND, Epoch Everlasting Play, and Spin Master as he worked on bringing brands including Pusheen, Calico Critters, Trolls, and others to retailers across North America. “Bryan has left an unforgettable impact on Schylling, its employees, and its customers,” adds Bryan Katzel, Vice President of Product Development at Schylling. “We are truly honored to have had Bryan as a member of our executive team and work family. While we are deeply saddened by his loss, our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Bendavid is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa, son Jared, daughters Emily and Carlie, mother Jane, and sister Beth Piersanti and her husband Frank. (from ToyBook)Show more

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(15 March 1926 – March 2022) Ralph Anspach, was a Professor at San Francisco State University, is best known for creating the game Anti-Monopoly and the legal battles that ensued with General Mills... and Parker Brothers. In the process, he discovered the true inventor of the Monopoly board game was Lizzie Magie in 1904. Lizzy was a feminist and subscribed to radical economic theories - she wanted to show the evils of monopolies via her board game.Show more