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Tom Wilson Obituary
Tom Wilson Jr., who took over the comic in 1987, said his father died Friday of pneumonia at a Cincinnati hospital. The elder Wilson had moved from Cleveland to a Cincinnati nursing home about eight years ago to be near his family, his son said.
Wilson was an artist at American Greetings card company in Cleveland for more than 35 years and first published Ziggy in a 1969 cartoon collection, "When You're Not Around."
Ziggy was launched in 15 newspapers in 1971 and now appears in more than 500 daily and Sunday newspapers. It also has appeared in books, calendars and greeting cards.
Tom Wilson Jr. said the name Ziggy derived from his father's school experience of being the last alphabetically. When a new classmate arrived with a last name beginning with "Z," the idea took root with the friendly sounding " y'' ending, such as Billy or Tommy.
"Ziggy is a last-in-line character," the son said in a phone interview. "The last picked for everything and kind of a lovable kind of loser character."
"I had a 'y' at the end and 'z' at the beginning, so the word Ziggy just fell into place. That became his name," was the way Tom Wilson Sr. described it, according to his son.
Tom Wilson Jr. said his father was always optimistic.
"He was a passionate and charismatic man, it came out in everything he did," he said. "He loved ideas and he loved creating - that was really what drove him. He wasn't a loser in that sense because his passion just came out and inspired everyone around him."
Wilson was "a visionary cartoonist," said John McMeel, chairman and president of Andrews McMeel Universal, which owns Universal Uclick, formerly known as Universal Press Syndicate.
"Tom leaves behind a wonderful legacy in Ziggy, a hard-luck comics page hero who serves as a ref lection of Tom's endearing wit and optimism in the face of adversity," he said in a statement.
Ziggy also starred in the ABC Christmas special, "Ziggy's Gift," which won a 1983 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program and was re-released on DVD in 2005.
Universal Uclick, which syndicated the Ziggy column, said Wilson also was head of a creative team that developed the Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears character licensing.
"Tom Wilson had a unique gift for producing creations that stirred imaginations and touched people's lives," said Hugh Andrews, chief executive officer and president of Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Besides his son, Wilson is survived by his wife, Carol, and daughters Ava and Julie.
Funeral services will be private.
183 Entries
Ron
May 1, 2025
Hung out with a daughter (Nancy) in Paris 50 years ago. Ate ice cream at le drug store. Great memories
Erin Harris
November 3, 2011
Ava, I was actually looking for you through facebook/internet when I found out about the passing of your father. I am so sorry to hear about it. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Rebecca
October 20, 2011
I am so shocked to hear of Mr.Wilson's passing.I came upon the news quite accidentally just looking for Ziggy stuff.I have been an avid Ziggy lover since 1976 when I received my first ever Ziggy.It was a Christmas card.From that moment on I was hooked.I bought and stiil do buy anything with Ziggy.Mr.Wilson-you will be missed and I hope that Ziggy wwill go and on.You both are so special.
Rebecca~
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maureen anderson
October 19, 2011
It was sad to hear of your fathers passing. I knew him well as did my family,my father was his friend and he brought love and joy to all of us. My father passed three yrs ago and I still have the picture he made for my mom and him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Nancy Sparks
October 16, 2011
Tom, my thoughts are with you and your family with the loss of your Father.
Mycena Dickerson
October 11, 2011
The ability to make people laugh is a beautiful gift. Although there"is a time to weep and a time to laugh" who does not prefer to laugh ? (Ecclesiastes 3:4) Sad to say,we live in a world that primarily gives us reason to weep.That's why your Dad will be sorely missed !
Tom &Tuzy
September 27, 2011
Sorry to hear about Mr.Wilson's passing, He gave alot of his talent and kindness to the world, and because of him doing so he will live on in the memories and hearts of all who knew and loved him,But especially He will live on through his talent of cartoon sharing of Ziggy :0) , Strawberry Shortcake and the lovable carebears, May God Bless Your family during these trying times.Rest In Peace Mr. Wilson
R Hornback
September 26, 2011
thanks for all the warm smiles!
September 26, 2011
Well done, rest in peace. Thanks for the happiness you have brought into the world., My prayers are with your family. Lynne Valiquette, Spring Hill, FL.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
September 26, 2011
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE WILSON FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. WILSON.
Kit Sober
September 26, 2011
Thanks for the memories. I always enjoyed Ziggy (and Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears). And thanks for continuing to give that same kind of kindness into the world.
September 25, 2011
Ziggy always helped me feel better, and so I sent many, many of Mr. Wilson's cards to friends and family over the years. Sympathies to all of you as you celebrate the life of one who touched the world with special blessings.
Dawn Van Strate
September 24, 2011
You will be missed dearly! thank you for sharing Ziggy with the world. God bless your family and give them strength in these sad times.
Patty G
September 24, 2011
Sorry to hear of Mr Wilson passing away. I love, love Ziggy and can relate to many of his "moments" Thank you Tom Jr. for continuing your father's work. Long live Ziggy!
Terry Bowen
September 24, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Wilson for giving us Ziggy. I loved every strip you created. My sympathies go out to Mr. Wilson's family. May he rest in peace.
September 24, 2011
To The Wilson Family:
So sorry to hear of the loss of such a great writer. I enjoyed Ziggy and all his fun quirks. Your dad just knew how to capture the moment in Ziggy.
He will be greatly missed and I know you have many fun memories that will last you a lifetime.
May the God of comfort be with you during your time of sadness, Psalms 147:3.
Deepest Sympathy,
Nicole Perry
September 24, 2011
Thanks for Ziggy :) Thoughts and prayers for the family.
September 23, 2011
"Hope you will live on in your works and give us real life dreams." Lola Zaka (Jacksonville, FL)
September 23, 2011
We loved Ziggy, Thank you for such a wonderful creation.
CARMEN LUCZAK
September 23, 2011
I LOVED ZIGGY! STILL DO.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Kathy Vergakis
September 23, 2011
Thanks for so many years of smiles!!
w James
September 23, 2011
Thank you Tom for the smiles, chuckles, and cute wisdom you shared via Ziggy. God Bless.
Karen
September 23, 2011
WoW
Kevin Noyes
September 23, 2011
My 81 year old Mother totally adores Ziggy and he has brought a smile to her face for years. She also has collected over 100 Ziggy dolls that she has a story to tell about each one. You have made alot of people smile over the years, especially my Mom. God Bless and Thank-you
September 23, 2011
l loved the Ziggy character so much I named my Doberman after him back in 1978.
I cut out a comic strip and posted in it my cube at work where Ziggy was looking out his window one morning and the sun was shining and birds were flying and he says 'a whole new day to screw up in'---
Jones Family
September 23, 2011
Our sincere condolences to the Wilson family. May your memories of a life well lived bring comfort and strength. 2 Cor. 1:3,4
April E. Magnuson
September 23, 2011
I have always enjoyed Ziggy, he brought a smile to my face many times. God bless your family in this time of grief. Thanks to Tom for many happy moments in so of our lives! Sincerely, April E. Magnuson, Fort Myers, FL
John Sorkness
September 22, 2011
I didnt know Tom Wilson Sr, but I sure loved reading Ziggy when ever I had a newspaper.. As a cartoonist he will be missed Rest in Peace Tom
Teresa Lang-Tsingine
September 22, 2011
Thank you! Thank you! for the wonderful smiles and joy that you brought to others through "Ziggy". I've cut out may to post on my refrigerator. Keeping the family in thoughts and prayers. The world has lost one more precious person who brought joy to the world.
Lynne Mcclure
September 22, 2011
my love of 22 years drove in the rain on a motorcycle 25 miles(because he had no car at the time) to put a ziggy poster outside my apartment complex, so I would see it as I drove to work the next day..... it said I love you and rainy days are for love too.....it is memorable to this day ...thank you Mr. Wilson ....rest happily
Theresa Campbell
September 22, 2011
May you be comforted by God's tender mercies during this time of saddness.
allison bowe
September 22, 2011
im so sorry to hear of your loss i use to like ziggy my deapist condolances to you liz tom and charlie
Trish Jacobs
September 22, 2011
Tom, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. For the amount of time we hung out in High School, I never had the opportunity to meet your father. But based on Ziggy and knowing you, I know the 'apple' didn't fall far from the tree! My sympathies to you and your family.
Wayne Hassinger
September 22, 2011
As a teacher in Bethel Park, PA, I decorated my entire classroom walls with posters of "Ziggy". Our classroom also had a guinea pig named "Ziggy". Both the posters and the class pet brought light-hearted, but a positive focus to learning. Mr. Wilson and his creation (Ziggy) will forever be in my heart. See you in heaven, Tom.
Sunny Demko
September 22, 2011
Lizz, Tom, Charlie: My thoughts and prayers are with in your time of sorrow.
Bill Clark
September 22, 2011
You might say Tom saved my life... I don't remember the exact quote, but one of Ziggy's contemplations was something like, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but whether you manage to survive."
It struck me at a time in my life when I was working very hard... and I took this as a sign that I needed balance. It made me a better person. I wish I had known he lived in Cincinnati, I would have looked him up and thanked him. What a blessing he has been, I'm sure, to so many people. I'm so sorry for our loss.
September 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I too grew up with fond memories of Ziggy. Im in my forties now and still have some of those special cards.
Jill K.
Anderson,SC
Janet Mickens
September 22, 2011
My son used to enjoy Ziggy when he was growing up, thanks
Donna Phillips
September 22, 2011
My deepest sympathies for Carol, Ava and Julie. You are in the hearts of many across the country at this time. One of my "best" memories with my Dad was our "Ziggy" connection. He would include a "Ziggy" cartoon in his letters he sent when I was in college. Our phone conversations would always end with the "Ziggy" of the day. What a great way to end our talks with a belly laugh!!
God bless,
Meg Martin
September 22, 2011
RIP and thanks for all the laughter. Meg Martin (Syracuse, NY)
September 22, 2011
we are so sorry for the lost of Tom, he made alot of peoples day, rember hope is never lost. Rev.21:3,4 my thoughts and prayers are with all at this time. C. Smith, Ft. Wayne In.
T G
September 22, 2011
Rest in Peace !
W. Lucas
September 22, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Tom Wilson. For many years I laughed with Ziggy. May you find laughter in your memories and hope in the words of Jesus at John 5:28,29.
Cindy Clayborn
September 22, 2011
My love and prayers go out to the Wilson family. Tom Wilson and Ziggy have given me great joy over the years being a huge fan since the 80's! My fourth grade classroom is full of Ziggy books, posters, dolls, etc and every year I send off another class loving Ziggy! I am so saddened by this news but so grateful Tom Jr. has/can carry on in Tom Sr.'s legacy. God bless you through this difficult time. Thank you for the smiles and laughs! Rest in peace, Tom!
Jill Aro
September 22, 2011
My condolences to the family of Tom Wilson Sr.
Abbie Vernon
September 21, 2011
The loss of Tom Wilson is akin to the loss of Charles Shultz...two great men and two great cartoonists. Heaven is a better place with them, and we are a lesser place without them.
Elizabeth Aulbach
September 21, 2011
God be with you and your family. Ziggy you'll never be forgotten, always in our hearts
Nancy Borum
September 21, 2011
I still love Ziggy!! He was with me growing up and something to enjoy and have fun with. The memories are always with me. May God Bless his family and know that he will be forever remembered.
Jill B
September 21, 2011
My condolences to the Wilson Family. Thank you Mr. Wilson for giving us Ziggy!
I always have the Ziggy daily calendar (It's a rip-off) and everyday he makes me laugh or smile, or remember that things could always be worse, so to be grateful for what you have. My deepest sympathy for the family.
The Hiler's
September 21, 2011
we will miss you & Ziggy, God Bless.
Mary Dulla
September 21, 2011
Ziggy was one of my favorites growing up, I used to love to draw him also. Thanks for him!!!
Al Teufen
September 21, 2011
Tom helped me get my start as a photographer back in 1972 when he visited Rochester Institute of Technology where I was a photography student. He bought a photograph from me for his new product line, Soft Touch greeting cards at American Greetings. After graduation in 1973, I worked as a photographer in the Soft Touch Department at American Greetings under Tom. A wonderful man to work for as I remember, always very patient and thoughtful to his employees. After leaving AG, I would occasionaly see him sitting at Cleveland Hopkins Airport while we were waiting to fly somewhere. We would chat for a good while, and I remember he was always so kind and wanted to know what I was doing and how I was doing. I lost track of Tom in the 90's and about 6-7 years ago I learned he was down in Cincinnati near Tom Jr. I will always cherish the two Ziggy's that I bought at the annual AG artist fair at 78th. Street Studios back in 1975. Tom sure knew how to make Ziggy fit our everyday lives in his chucles and grins. Tom was sure a GIFT to our creative world and his legacy as an artist will surely live on and be sadly missed. My condolences to all his family.
Rosa Hernandez
September 21, 2011
Thank you for all the smiles you put on everyones face when we read Ziggy. You will be deeply missed but, we will have Ziggy to remind us of you. May you rest in peace. Our condolences and prayers to your family.
Catherine Robbins
September 21, 2011
Ziggy is a part of our family for many years. Deepest sympathies to your family in this time of great sorrow. Your husband and father has left a deep and lasting legacy that has touched all our hearts. My mother has alzheimers, but she knows Ziggy and I put him in her daily book to read and enjoy and smile. May it give you comfort to know this. God bless you. Catherine Robbins, Akron, OHIO
M Mims
September 21, 2011
Even though i have relocated, I'm still and old Cleveland girl, born and raised, and one thing I sure miss is the sunday morn paper, and ziggy
so keep us smilellllllllllllllllllllllllllllly !!!
September 21, 2011
My condolences to the family. May God our Father and Jesus Christ show you his kindness and mercy and give you Great peace of heart and mind 1 Timothy 1:2
Beverly Linton
September 21, 2011
Thank you for years of chuckles and grins.
I've enjoyed your creation. It will live on.
September 21, 2011
We have always loved the character "Ziggy".
Deepest sympathy to the family.
j
September 21, 2011
I have been an admirer of Ziggy's since the late 70s. He has always been my inspiration. My condolences to the family and hope that Ziggy's love, hope, and quiet enthusiasm will live forever.
kourtney taylor
September 21, 2011
sorry about yor loss know it was a tough loss
kourtney taylor
September 21, 2011
liked ziggy but never read what they said
lisa jarrell
September 21, 2011
R.I.P. ZIGGY,S FOREVER.
cheryl bolt
September 21, 2011
Ziggy has been my favorite! My soon grew up with 5 Ziggy's!! he is now 31! Thanks Tom love his encouraging cartoons of life !
Ann Parr
September 21, 2011
Ziggy has always been my very favorite cartoon ! Thanks for sharing Ziggy with us !
Les Breese
September 21, 2011
Sometimes, reading a "Ziggy" comic is like gazing into a mirror! My condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of Tom Wilson, Sr....the man who created a genuine icon of our society.
lorraine polo
September 21, 2011
I just retired after teaching second grade for more than 25 years. One of my most favorite memories is showing my kids the Ziggy's Gift video every year. They always loved it and when I left school in June I made sure I passed it on into the good hands of my next door neighbor teacher telling her how special it was and of the sweet message it has for children...so different from what they usually watch. I'm so happy to know that it's out on dvd. I'll be sure to get it for my grandaughters. Your husband and father brought such joy to so many people. May he rest in peace.
September 21, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tanya Cardec
September 20, 2011
I absolutely LOVED the Ziggy comics. My sister had a Ziggy doll for a long time. My condolences to the family.
Bettie Welch
September 20, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sallie Martin
September 20, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jack Fosbrink
September 20, 2011
Mt thgoughts go out to your family,from an Old friend,Band member ,Chorus memberand Classmate at South Union High school Jack Fuzzy Fosbrink
C Hill
September 20, 2011
I still have my Ziggy statue my friend gave me back in 1982. I love Ziggy! Bless you Tom.
chris cazzato
September 20, 2011
to the wilson familythank god for him showing us that every day for us is a ziggy one god bless you ziggy we shall miss u .
Fran Bouma
September 20, 2011
Ziggy has been with me everyday since I put him in a frame that I keep in the bathroom where he is looking at his image and it says Hey!!You forgot to floss! My sympathy to the family. He will be missed, but will live on in the memories of many.
Shelia Nedoma
September 20, 2011
Won't you come home Bill Bailey was my favorite strip that Tom WIlson wrote. Ziggy asked, Did Bill Bailey come home yet? I laughed so hard. My boyfriend, now husband, bought me a Ziggy salt and pepper shaker. It is a Cleveland thing. Thanks Ziggy for the memories.
September 20, 2011
We enjoyed reading "Ziggy"everyday-was never sure what to expect
but he was always right on the money. We will miss Tom Wilson Sr
and his creativity. prayers to the family (The Van Ausdales-Decatur,IL)
Maureen Mayle
September 20, 2011
Tom, how very well I remember your blonde shaggy hair and creative and individualistic personality when sitting in our 3rd grade class. I express my sincere sympathy on your loss. I know your dad was very proud of you. I ran into him at an estate sale while he was still in Lakewood. He shared with pride that you had joined the "Ziggy" adventure with him. You are still one of my most memorable and favorite students. You march to your own tune. I have memories I could share with you. If so inclined, do contact me.
With sympathy,
Maureen Boudreau Mayle
348 Hawksmoor Dr., Daniels, WV
September 20, 2011
I LOVE Ziggy, so that means I Loved Tom. Be blessed.
TN Fan
diana arenas
September 20, 2011
Thank you for making the world a better place and making a difference. You made me smile, laugh, and think thru ZIGGY!!! You will be surely missed and GOD SPEED!!!
September 20, 2011
Thank you so much for Ziggy. I would get the newspaper everyday and turn it to the comics just to read "Ziggy"! God bless you and your family.
Teresa Wilson
September 20, 2011
Thank you so much for Ziggy. I would get the newspaper everyday and turn it to the comics just to read "Ziggy"! It would make my day. God bless you and your family.
R Rankin
September 20, 2011
Thank you for creating Ziggy. He was a big part of my flurtacious messages to my girl friend many years ago...now my wife for 29 years! Thanks for your help :) RIP
William L. Murphy
September 20, 2011
Rest in Peace Ziggy
julie
September 20, 2011
They called my son ziggy when he was little because of his collection of Ziggy dolls. Thank you for making his childhood so fun!
Dianna Hartman
September 20, 2011
Thank you for the smiles you have given me each day. I hope you are in heaven making everyone laugh. To your family I send my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Bruce Clack
September 20, 2011
I could choose to identify with Ziggie when life was a little rough... Years ago I would occasionally stop by the card rack to go through my ‘smiles time’ with the Ziggies. My wife Lucinda and I often chose to have a warmness of heart and Ziggie was often a catalist for light humor during those daily trials of life. I sometimes would settled on one of the cards in the rack, then a red rose from the flower case in the grocery store. Later, at home, Ziggie allowed us to have that simple and bright message to lighten in the grind of life. For us, Ziggie was more than just a cartoon...his simple and accepting spirit was sometimes a patch on the jeans of our tattered plans and dreams. Thank you Tom and family.
Bruce Clack, Glendale, Arizona
September 20, 2011
What a talented man. He will be missed by all.
J. Martinez
September 20, 2011
"Ziggy's gift" is a Christmas tradition in our home. Thank you Mr. Wilson for sharing your gift with the rest of the world. God grant you peace.
F. M.
September 20, 2011
Ziggy got me through college and was a staple in the early days of my relationship with my husband of 39 years... Ziggy helped us when the odds seemed stacked against us... thanks Tom!
Lela Anderson
September 20, 2011
I always liked that comic strip character! God giveth, and God taketh away. To God be the glory. Take comfort in knowing all is well.
Donna Nichols
September 20, 2011
I have been a fan of Ziggy for many years! My condolences to the family of Mr. Wilson. Thanks for the laughs over the years. God Bless You!!
Glen Hausfeld
September 20, 2011
Peace, Peace, peace to the family and many friends of Tom Wilson SR.
I see Ziggy and I see the little boy in me.
your number 1 in my heat.
September 20, 2011
I still have a set of Ziggy mugs - I love them, always wondered who created the character........thank you Mr. Wilson
I have always loved Ziggy!
michelle (arkansas)
B Wong
September 20, 2011
Thank you for giving us Ziggy. I was a huge fan of Ziggy when I was growing up. I had Ziggy t-shirts, Ziggy posters, calendars, etc....thanks to my mom :o)
LLoyd
September 20, 2011
Have always loved Ziggy. Sad to hear this news. Thanks for all the smiles.
Sally Kohnman
September 20, 2011
I love Ziggy he is my favorite cartoon character
September 20, 2011
Ziggy was and still is one of my favorites. Thank you for all the years of laughs and I hope they continue. Condolences to Mr. Wilson's family.
S.
White Lake, MI
louise wisinski
September 20, 2011
Thank you for making me smile. God bless you.
September 20, 2011
my mom's friends used to call her "ziggy's mom". she was a huge fan.in a world of despair and sadness we all need a little ZIGGY in our lives.RIP my friend...paula(canton)oh.
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