The Facebook page of the Pasadena band Snotty Scotty and the Hankies on Sunday announced the death from cancer of its leader, John Scott Finnell. He goes way back with the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, which was created in 1978 as a less-stuffy answer to the Rose Parade.

"The Hankies regret to announce the passing of our beloved leader and brother John Snotty Scotty Finnell, band leader, Doo Dah originator, honorary mayor of Old Town. Snotty Scotty touched many lives in many ways. We welcome any stories, pictures, lies, tall tales of this legendary, larger than life performer."

The fans are there telling stories.

The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade page on Facebook: "Snotty Scotty was a dear soul who will be missed by so many. He and the Hankies led each and every Pasadena Doo Dah Parade. Who better than this mischievous band of rock'n'rollers we all know and love? Snotty Scotty made us feel like we lived in a real town and not just anywhere USA. He was Pasadena's soundtrack and our own daydream believer. He'll make it fun up there. We'll meet again, Scotty!"

From Patricia Hurley, managing director of the Light Bringer Project, the Pasadena arts nonprofit: "Scott was the life of the party (of Doo Dah). He is sort of an inventor of Doo Dah in the sense of the spirit and longevity of it. He was probably playing in the background at Chromos Bar when the whole idea was concocted. He was in every single parade, leading it, singing it."