Doll industry stalwart John McBride (1951-2009) has passed on from pancreatic cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to honor McBride’s memory by donating to the Memorial Fund in his name at the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Network.

A respected leader in the doll and teddy bear retail industry, McBride (shown left with Linda Mason) owned Dollsville Dolls & Bearsville Bears in Palm Springs, Calif., along with wife Cheryl since 1979.

“He was especially known to his customers and suppliers for this integrity and commitment to the future of the industry,” says Joe Jones, publisher of DOLLS magazine. In addition to spending time with John and Yvonne (daughter) at various conventions, my wife, Maggie, and I had an opportunity to visit John at his retail location, and we have very pleasant memories of these times together. We are honored to have had the opportunity to develop a friendship with John.”