John Cunliffe dead: Postman Pat, Rosie and Jim creator dies age 85

Children’s book author’s agency confirmed the news after an obituary appeared in his local newspaper

John Cunliffe, the creator of iconic character Postman Pat, has died aged 85.

His agency confirmed the news after an obituary for the children’s book author, who also created the ragdoll characters from ITV series Rosie and Jim, appeared in the Ilkley Gazette.

“John left his Ilkley home in a deluge of rain on Thursday, 20 September, never to return,” the touching tribute reads. “Even the skies wept for John the gifted creator of Postman Pat, Rosie and Jim and author of many earlier published collections of poetry and picture storybooks for children.”

Cunliffe created Postman Pat in 1981. The series’ original run lasted 196 episodes with a revival following in 2003 as well as a film version starring Stephen Mangan in 2014.

For many years, Cunliffe lived in Kendal in the Lake District which served as his inspiration for Greendale, the setting of the series. Following the success of the show, he became a local celebrity. Before writing for children full time, however, Cunliffe worked as a librarian and teacher.

Cunliffe also played the narrowboat’s first driver in beloved children’s TV show Rosie and Jim which aired on ITV from 1990 to 2000.

In 2010, he released Ghosts, a children’s story designed for the iPad. Throughout his career, Cunliffe penned around 190 books for children, including picture books and volumes of poetry, according to his agency biography.

The Gazette reported a private funeral had taken place six days after his death. It is believed he was living in the West Yorkshire town at the time of his death.