Casey and Finnegan's old pal, Mr. Dressup (the late Ernie Coombs), is saluted tonight at 8 on a timely Life And Times episode on CBC.

The one-hour special features interviews with some of Coombs' closest colleagues, including Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers Neighborhood), who brought Coombs to Canada in 1962, fellow entertainer Fred Penner (Fred Penner's Place) and puppeteer Judith Lawrence.

Coombs and Mr. Dressup were both a staple of CBC's morning schedule for an incredible 32 years. He finally closed up the tickle trunk on Feb. 14, 1996, although the show continues to be rerun today.

That same year, Coombs was awarded the Order of Canada for his many years of bringing quality programming to Canadian children. He passed away Sept. 18 at age 73.