It happened this week . . . word of the passing of the man behind a ubiqitous collectible.

For we learned of the death last month at age 87 of Curtis Allina . . . the former candy company vice-president who came up with the idea of putting decorative plastic heads on top of Pez dispensers.

It's a time to reflect,
Every candy fan says,
And to honor the work,
Of the packer of Pez.

Back in the year 1955,
It was his job the sales of Pez mints to revive.
He decided each spring-loaded package to top,
With a colorful head from which candies would pop.

From that idea, myriad Pez heads would follow,
To be treasured long after dispensers went hollow.
Many a figure of cartoon fame.
Would soon grace the spot whence those little mints came.

Millions of people those sweet treats would crave,
And when they were gone, it's the gadgets they'd save.
And so we now praise the dispenser inventor.
And trust there will not be a single dissenter.