Hannah Barbera cartoons were my biggest influence to get into art, drawing, and eventually animation. As a child, I was glued to Flintstones, Yogi, Huckleberry and the rest of the menagerie. I always had a coloring book with all these characters and then would learn to draw them in detail while watching on television.

Even though I had studied extensively the Disney and Warner Bros. technique of full animation, I felt very close to the deceptively simple method of limited animation, which Hannah and Barbera are famous for and became a standard for generations. I was also very appreciative of that style of comedy, story, and character, which is unique to a Hannah Barbera cartoon. Bill and Joe's humor in these episodes are timeless.

I feel blessed to have met Joe Barbera a few years ago at a public appearance in Orange County California while he was still in his eighties. I noticed what a humble, gentle and polite person he was. It was no surprise that he continued working as a story man right up to the end. I believe his qualities and also his humor are what kept him going all these years.

Joe Barbera and Bill Hannah's creations, influence and legacy of entertainment will live on forever.

Michael Morgenlander, Animator, Artist, Art Teacher

Linda Redondo visits with Mr. B soon after her retirement. Courtesy of Linda Redondo.

I retired last October from Warner Bros. I worked for Mr. Barbera starting in 1967 at Hanna Barbera. I left in 1990. I went to Disney and then to Warner Bros. in 1991. Joe followed me there and I would see him come intothe office almost every day. I did not know him well, but I am very grateful to him and to his daughter Jayne who gave me the chance to have a terrific career. I started as a cel painter on The Flintstones and I later became a color stylist. I enjoyed every moment and I truly valued the talent of Mr. Barbera, who gave so many people an opportunity to express their talents as well.

Linda Redondo

Thanks to Joe Barbera I became an animation director and eventually producer. Upon seeing my first independent short film, which I screened during a coffee break at Hanna-Barbera, Joe Barbera said: "Why aren't you directing for me?" It was irrelevant to him that I was a woman; he didn't care because he looked for quality and not gender.

Thank you, Joe Barbera -- and may your soul rest in Animation Heaven!

Marija Miletic Dail, www.animationcottage.com

Courtesy of Iraj Paran.

Joe Barbera, Dad… I never in my life expected to be doing this… this was not part of our deal… but with great sadness for the loss of a parent, a mentor, a boss and a friend… it is a privilege and an honor to be standing here.

Joe Barbera… what an extraordinary man. As my friend, Erika Grossbart said to me when she heard of his death… boy, he was a man who had it all… he was good looking, he was bright, he was quick, he had a great sense of humor and great timing, he was charming and he was incredibly talented. I agree… the man truly was an experience. And he had the best life of anyone I have ever known… ever… He loved what he did and he did what he loved. He created wonderfully entertaining moments and worked with amazingly talented people, so many of who are here this evening to honor him. Thank you… And he was so lucky because he received accolades and attaboys while he was alive. He was congratulated and appreciated for what he did. And how much better than that does it get… to love what you do and be acknowledged and recognized for it.

I said at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences plaque dedication that the loss of Mr. Hanna had left a hole in my universe, in the universes of all that knew and loved him. I think we would all agree that the hole is a great deal larger now. Anyway, it is for me….

Joe Barbera's passion for his work set an example….a way to live and make others laugh and when he was dying slowly and sadly of horrendous Parkinson's disease, he set another example….and that was one of dignity….And even then he kept that sense of humor and made others laugh….what a guy….

My friend, Kerry Williams said, "The whole world loved your father -- a great man." My friend, Ginny McSwain said, "Mr. Barbera's passing is truly the end of an era… I thank my lucky stars that I got my training from the best school in town." My friend, Davis Doi said, "Your father was an amazing and inspiring man. It was an honor to know him." My friend, Carlton Clay said so simply and so eloquently, "I miss him," and my acquaintance, Paul Iron said "If life went on the same without the one who died, we could only conclude that the life we here remember made no contribution, filled no space, meant nothing. The fact that this person left behind a place that cannot be filled is a high tribute to this individual. Life can be the same after a trinket has been lost, but never after the loss of a treasure."

Joe Barbera… treasure, creator, producer, director… father to me, my sister Lynn, my brother Neal; grandfather to Kim and Gina, great-grandfather to Danny, Megan, Amanda, Matthew and Lena, in-law to Katia, Jerry, Lou, Dan and Tim… that's a lot in one lifetime…