Watching Bob Ross paint on television is one of favorite childhood memories
Oh mine too!  I love his happy little accidents on the Joy of Painting!
Do you know how long his show was on the air?
Only 11 years from 1983 to 1994 on PBS, but it seemed like all of my childhood!  
Mine too!  I was so sad when he passed away, but I don't remember what he died from.
You know, I don't recall either.  I do know he was a high school dropout in 9th grade, and he then became a carpenter, and lost part a finger!!
That's crazy!  I didn't know that. Do you know how old he was when he died?
Not very old at all.  October 1942- July 1995 so 53?  Barely older than me currently!