Rest well, Don Knotts

Whether you knew him as the dopey Deputy Barney Fife helping Andy Griffith keep the law in Mayberry, as a member of The Apple Dumpling Gang in Disney movies, or as the lovable and energetic landlord Mr. Furley on "Three's Company," you knew Don Knotts would make you laugh. His distinct personality, bugging eyes and skinny frame always delivered the goods during a time when television had class and was just plain clean fun.

Don Knotts died Saturday at age 81.

His filmography.

Knotts' final substantial on-screen cinema role came in 1998's "Pleasantville," where he played the TV repairman who is the catalyst for all the changes among the residents of the sheltered town. He was perfect for the role.

I'll miss the genuine enthusiasm and wit, the warmth he brought to every role. I have a vivid memory after watching a re-run of "The Andy Griffith Show" and then running around all afternoon saying "Nip it in the bud!" in my best Deputy Barney Fife impersonation, and having no real clue what that meant. And I can just see him in that denim leisure suit, a kerchief tied around his neck in that swingin' 1970s look he tried to portray on "Three's Company."

Yes, rest well, Barney and Mr. Furley. We'll miss you.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.