As if fans of Toys R Us weren’t sad enough at the news of the bankruptcy and shuttering of the retail giant, now comes the news that Toy R Us founder Charles Lazarus has passed away at the age of 94.   Lazarus opened his first store in 1957 in the Washington DC area.  He stepped down as CEO in 1994 and as chairman in 1998.

Earlier today the official Toys R Us Twitter account tweeted:

There have been many sad moments for Toys”R”Us in recent weeks, and none more heartbreaking than today’s news about the passing of our beloved founder, Charles Lazarus. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charles’ family and loved ones.

— ToysRUs (@ToysRUs) March 22, 2018

Our hearts go out to Mr. Lazarus’ family and friends.  Thanks for letting us be Toys R us kids.