Longtime London Free Press political cartoonist Merle Tingley has passed away at Parkwood Institute.

He was 95.

Ting began working for the Free Press in 1948 until his retirement in 1986.

He was best known for his signature mascot, a pipe-smoking worm named "Luke Worm".

Ting was born in Montreal in 1921 and was inducted in the Canadian Cartoonists Hall of Fame in 2014.

He was predeceased by wife Gene and son Graham. He is survived by son Cameron (Laurel), grandson Hayden, and daughter-in-law Sheila.

Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home in London on June 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on June 24.