Many of my friends know a deep-seated fear of mine is ending up a lonely old McDonald’s breakfast guy. I love to go watch the old men hang out and talk trash while they enjoy their Big Breakfast or their McGriddle. The best of the very best breakfast at McDonalds — the Sausage McMuffin with Egg.

It is with a sad heart that I inform you, Herb Peterson, the inventor of the Egg McMuffin has passed away. Owner of several McDonald’s franchises in the Santa Barbara, CA area, Herb was unknown to me — while his invention is something I think of far too often.

Fraker, who said he worked with Peterson for 30 years, said “he was amazing as far as giving back to the community.”

“He embraced the community and the community embraced him,” Fraker said. “We loved the man.”

Thanks Herb.

Egg McMuffin inventor Herb Peterson dies in California at 89 [International Herald Tribune]

(DListed has a far meaner take on Herb’s passing.)