Fans and fans pay tribute to 'SpongeBob' creator Stephen Hillenburg: 'Thank you for creating my childhood'

Maggie Parker
Cartoon fanatics around the world are taking to social media to mourn the loss of animation royalty, Stephen Hillenburg, who died Monday, Nov. 25. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
Cartoon fanatics around the world are taking to social media to mourn the loss of animation royalty, Stephen Hillenburg, who died Monday, Nov. 25. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

Cartoon fanatics around the world are mourning the loss of animation royalty, Stephen Hillenburg, who died of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Monday, Nov. 25.

Hillenburg was the creator of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019.

The news broke on Wednesday when Nickelodeon posted a tweet announcing his death.

While many of his admirers must be at a loss for words, others are taking to social media to pay tribute to the man who created such an unforgettable character. And some of the tributes are tearjerkers.

Some of the most poignant posts include screen grabs and GIFs from the colorful show responsible for so many of your favorite memes.

Other moving tributes include biographical information and fun facts about Hillenburg.

Of course, tons are quoting his creation to honor him.

View this post on Instagram

Currently making a sweater out of my tears. Whether you watched #spongebob or not, #stephenhillenburg brought countless great memories to myself, and all the fans around the world. There are tons of quotes, and tons of references that I can make with either my friends or complete strangers and it'll begin a conversation of remembering timeless episodes. Today, I am devastated and I will be watching my favorite episodes in honor of a man, who truly was number one. I'll leave you all with this quote. SpongeBob: "What do you normally do when I'm gone?" Patrick: "Wait for you to get back." RIP Stephen Hillenburg. The kitchen will never the same without you.

A post shared by keeennnyyyyyyy (@kennycal_of_boletaria) on Nov 27, 2018 at 11:51am PST

Major companies, fellow animators and other public figures are mourning the man on social media.

Others are posting their own works of art in dedication to the creator.

View this post on Instagram

‪RIP Stephen Hillenburg. #Thankyou for helping us imagine a world in the ocean. Thoughts and prayers to your family & friends. Love @allontheboard #RIPStephenHillenburg #Spongebob #StephenHillenburg #Legend #SpongebobSquarePants #SpongebobCreator #RestInPeace #BikiniBottom‬ #spongebobmemes #spongebobedits #spongebobmeme

A post shared by allontheboard (@allontheboard) on Nov 27, 2018 at 11:20am PST

We’ll leave you with this ode to Hillenburg. (We’re not crying, you’re crying.)

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