Link (http://tinyurl.com/yanf3vch)

We lost our dear Jon Shepodd last night. He and Cloris Leachman played Paul and Ruth Martin before Hugh Reilly and June Lockhart. Big Jon and Little Jon was what they called them on the set. He was a robust and loving man. We saw him about 11 years ago in London where he lived; and called him every year...We so hoped he would come to the States, but it was not meant to be. Dear "Big Jon," you will be greatly missed by us...RIP

Who did he play on the show? The father?

Who did he play on the show? The father?

Yes, he and Cloris Leachman were the original parents during the first season. They were replaced by Hugh Reilly & June Lockhart.

Yes, he and Cloris Leachman were the original parents during the first season. They were replaced by Hugh Reilly & June Lockhart.

Ah. See, I'm not familiar with the first season at all, so that's why I asked.

Rest in peace.

They were the first actors in the 2nd version of the show Lassie. The first version were the "Miller years" with Jan Clayton and Tommy Rettig. Tom and Jan departed and little boy Timmy moved in with Ruth and Paul Martin played by Jon and Cloris and little Jon Provost. Then second year Cloris and Jon Sheperd were replaced and in came June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly.