The death of Soupy Sales at age 83 certainly marks the passage of a generation of funny men.

He lived longer than most and followed in the footsteps of some of the greatest: Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton.

During the 1950s and 60s, he was one of the nation’s most popular television stars.

His shtick of a pie in the face made his name.

Guest stars on his show were the who’s who in Hollywood at the time: Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Sammy Davis Jr. and Shirley MacLaine, to name a few.

They all wound up with pie in the face.

In these more so-call sophisticated times of the 21st century, Sales’ humor might seem like child’s play.

That’s the point. We are all children inside, some way or the other. We need the medicine that laughter gives us.

Most of all, Sales reminded us of the strength, the healing there is in simple things. For example, a running gag to the waiter in a restaurant.

Sales: “Is there any soup on the menu?”

Waiter: “Yes, but I wiped it off.”

In these days of worry and turmoil, just like in the 50s and 60s we can always use a hearty belly laugh.

Sales taught us these things in those days.

Remembering him reminds us to stop.

It’s OK to be silly occasionally.

Laugh.

You’ll feel better.