LOS ANGELES, Calif. – John Rovick, the beloved host of a children’s cartoon show in Los Angeles throughout the 1950s and 60s, has died.

Rovick died Saturday in Boise, Idaho after a brief illness, his former station, KTTV-TV, told The Associated Press. He was 93.

For nearly two decades, Rovick appeared on the daily “Cartoon Time” show that earned him an Emmy award for outstanding children’s program. It was so popular with young viewers that KTTV said (http://bit.ly/UtnnSL) it added another show to its midday schedule, “Sheriff John’s Lunch Brigade,” that stayed on the air until 1970.

Staples of the show included Rovick reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing “The Birthday Cake Polka” and leading viewers on a prayer before having lunch along with them. He opened the show with the song “Laugh and Be Happy.”

Rovick created the sheriff persona because of his interest in law enforcement. He served in World War II as a radio gunner for the Army Air Forces.

The Dayton, Ohio native was survived by his wife and two daughters.