John Rovick, “Sheriff John” 1919-2012
Our good friend John Rovick, who is also known as “Sheriff John” died today in a nursing facility in Idaho. He was 93 years old. He was the TV host of an Emmy Award winning children’s program on KTTV television that spanned two decades during the 1950’ and 60’s. One highlight of his children’s program was that he would celebrate young fans’ birthdays by singing during the broadcast, “Put another candle on your birthday cake, you’re another year old today.” His daughter Sandy was my neighbor for years.
Sheriff John surprised me one year by telephoning me on my birthday and singing that song. On May 10, 1999, he came by to visit his daughter and later stopped by my house to visit with my family.
John Rovick visits our home
He knew we were huge fans and graciously gave us each a personally autographed picture of him from the time period of that his show was running. Five months later on October 9, 1999, I retired from the Sheriff’s Department. That anniversary is in 3 days.
When John Rovick came by my house, he knew of my pending retirement and gave me a very special present. He presented me with a “Sheriff John Special Deputy” metal badge. These badges were given to child audience members who watched his show. He had saved just a few of them as mementos.
Sheriff John’s Special Deputy Badge from his children’s program.
God bless you and rest in peace Sheriff John, you will be missed.
A lovely post! Thank you for sharing the memory!
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I was on the Sheriff John show in the 50′s. For some reason I was not a happy camper and spent the whole show with a frown on my face picking at the fake grass we were sitting on. My parents were beside themselves. They kept asking me after the show, “Bobby, why didn’t you smile? They had 3 to 4 close-ups of you.” Wish I had those days back again. Life was simple and enjoyable as a young kid.