Ira “Bob” Born, a candy company executive known as the “Father of Peeps” for pioneering the way the chick-shaped candies are made, has died, Just Born Quality Confections announced on Monday. …

“He was an inventor whose amazing intellect allowed him to see solutions to almost any situation,” Just Born said in a press release.

“Most notable was his ability to see how Peeps, which were made by hand, could be produced in a mechanical manner. Bob designed the machine that deposits the Peeps Marshmallow Chicks, and his machine was in use for well over 50 years. Bob’s design became the basis for the current marshmallow depositing systems.”

[As viewers of my podcast know, I love Peeps, and love to get the sugar-free versions whenever I can. I have lots of joyful memories of Mr. Born’s product, and will keep him and his family in my prayers today. RIP. — Ed]