In Memory: Morris Kotzer (1923-2014)

[RSS]

We at the Megomuseum are very sad to report that founder of Parkdale Novelty (Aka Mego Canada) Morris Kotzer has passed away this week.

Having a long relationship with the Abrams family, Kotzer’s Parkdale Novelty was distributing Mego toys in Canada since it’s inception. When Action Jackson launched in 1972, Kotzer was one of the first to place an order, which was especially large.

The Super Heroes followed as did Star Trek and Planet of the Apes to great success in Canada.

It was Kotzer’s determination and willingness to put up the money that created the Mego 12″ Superhero line and he is considered by us to be the father of that line.

After Mego’s demise, it was the warehouse find of Star Trek action figures at Parkdale Novelty that fueled Mego Collecting in the 1980s and 90s. The tape of Mego Commercials that every collector knows came from Kotzer’s children converting the film reels he had saved. Many of the Mego Catalogs seen here at the Mego Museum are from the Parkdale archives.

Always a hard worker, Morris still showed up to work when others would have been retired for decades. He was joined at Parkdale by his children, which still thrives as a leading provider of plush toys.

Thank you Mr Kotzer, you will be missed.

More...

[HardyGirl]

RIP Morris. Thanks for all you did for the Mego name.

[Earth 2 Chris]

It's so refreshing to here he stayed at it, and his family business is still going with his children today. The Mego 12" figures are true stand-outs, and for that alone, we here owe him a great deal of thanks!

Chris

[palitoy]

My dad really respected Mr Kotzer and once told me that in 1976, after he bought a truckload of unsold Apes figures that he turned to him and said "If the kids don't buy them, the collectors will".

In the 80s, my dad indulged my collecting and took me to Parkdale to see if there was any stock left. He didn't have to be so nice to me but he was patient and sold me a trunkload of carded Mego Star Trek figures for $2.00 each.

Last time we spoke, he and his lovely wife showed up in our booth at the Toronto Toy show, I gave him a Brick and thanked him. We took some photos that day.

[FETT1]

Rip Sir...more than likely my Dad would of dealt with this gentleman's company back in the day ...my Dad had a very successful wholesale business in downtown Edmonton....lets just say, if it wasn't for my Dad (Miss ya everyday ) I would not of met many toy reps and had so many toys in my younger days !!!

...Thank You

[Bronxboykev]

God Speed Mr Kotzer

[Iron Mego]

Touching tribute.

[Hedji]

Rest in Peace, and thanks for the goodies. He will be missed.

[SeattleEd]

Sounds like he was a wonderful man. Rest in peace and thank you, Mr Kotzer.

What a lovely story, Brian and great picture.

[vulcan2074]

Mr Kotzer R.I.P.

[Mikey]

Had a few Matchbox-sized Eagles (called Hawks)

Loved them big-time

RIP Sir.

[rchatlin]

He touched a lot of lives, and left behind a wonderful legacy.

Thanks, Morris.

r
o
b

[newlyknighted]

Many thanks to Mr. Kotzer and his family for providing so much happyness to so many kids of all ages. RIP Mr. Kotzer

[ScottA]

Very nice tribute Brian. Thanks Mr. Kotzer.

[jimsmegos]

My dad really respected Mr Kotzer and once told me that in 1976, after he bought a truckload of unsold Apes figures that he turned to him and said "If the kids don't buy them, the collectors will".

In the 80s, my dad indulged my collecting and took me to Parkdale to see if there was any stock left. He didn't have to be so nice to me but he was patient and sold me a trunkload of carded Mego Star Trek figures for $2.00 each.

Last time we spoke, he and his lovely wife showed up in our booth at the Toronto Toy show, I gave him a Brick and thanked him. We took some photos that day.

That's one of the coolest and sweetest "Toy Story's" I've ever heard. Thanks for sharing.

Rest in peace, Mr.Kotzer