LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Los Angeles Times reports that longtime and beloved TV “Sheriff John” has died.

John Rovick turned 93 four days ago.

According to the newspaper, Rovick died Saturday morning at a nursing home in Boise, Idaho.

Rovick starred as the happy-go-lucky, jovial and avuncular sheriff on a popular local TV show from 1952-1970.

KTTV was looking for a host of an early evening kids program that featured cartoons and Novick, who was a staff announcer, came up with the idea of a sheriff character.

Within a year, “Cartoon Time” became the even more popular noontime program “Sheriff John’s Lunch Brigade.”

While teaching the importance of good manners, fire prevention and safety, Sheriff John would often sing in between having lunch and wishing kids in the viewing audience a happy birthday.

His wife tells CBS2 and KCAL9 that Rovick leaves behind two daughters, Wendy and Sandra, and five grandchildren.