One year ago today, one of the great inspirations for the American Mustache Institute left us -- Robert Goulet died on Oct. 30, 2007. That's why AMI created the "Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year" award - won this year by Tim Galvin - as a way to honor his greatness and the wonder of his lip sweater.

Ironically as well, Goulet's death came on the 43rd anniversary of the completion of the world's largest mustache - the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Coincidence? Maybe yes, maybe no. Who's to say?

But what we loved about Bob was his ability to laugh at himself. How else can you explain his enduring popularity and appeal on shows like "The Simpsons," SNL, appearing on four (count 'em) episodes of "Fantasy Island," a turn as the evil villain Quentin Hapsburg in the "Naked Gun," and a very memorable commercial for Emerald Nuts - I still believe that Bob comes in to my office at night and messes things up.

You can still hear him just about anywhere online. Here's Bob performing a dramatic reading of Bart Simpson's chalkboard writings for a Simpsons' radio ad.

Or how about his ads for ESPN? "The two sweetest words in the English language after chorus girl — college hoops," he said.

We could not have chosen anyone else to take the name of our annual Mustached American of the Year award. While he was far more than his mustache, he represented everything the 'stache means: good looks, great pipes and the kind of sense of humor that allows you to make a fool of yourself every once in a while.. 

To quote his own words, "When I die, I want my gravestone to say, 'He left them smiling.'"

We're still smiling, Bob.