Michael Bond creator of the beloved fictional character Paddington Bear has died at 91, according to his publisher, HarperCollins . He died at home after a short illness.

Bond said he was inspired to create the character after once spotting a stuffed bear at Paddington Station in London on Christmas Eve. Two years later, in 1958, the first installment of his series was published.

Paddington has since become an iconic childrens book character in the U.K. and beyond. His most notable attributes include a peculiar suitcase that can carry much more than it would seem, a puffy coat, a pair of specs and a penchant for politeness.