John Aylesworth Dies

John Aylesworth, 81, a television writer and producer who was co-creator of the long-running country variety show "Hee Haw," died July 28 at a hospital in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He had pulmonary fibrosis.

Mr. Aylesworth and his writing partner and fellow Canadian, Frank Peppiatt, had never visited the rural South or Midwest before developing "Hee Haw," a fast-paced hour of cornball jokes and music, in 1969.

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Survivors include his wife, Anita Rufus of Palm Desert, Calif.; five children; and a grandson.

Rest In Peace, John.