Today, Academy Award winning (for the 1985 film, Cocoon) artist, illustrator, and conceptual designer, Ralph McQuarrie passed away at the age of 82 in his home located in Berkeley California.

Mr. McQuarrie worked on such films as the Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, Jurassic Park, Batteries Not Included, ET. The Extra Terrestrial, Cocoon, and many others.

He will be sorely missed, but his creative work will always live on in the amazing films he worked on and contributed to.

More information can be found on Mr. McQuarries website which includes the message below:

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph   McQuarrie.

People say you should never meet your heroes. Ralph was the exception to   that rule. We were all fans of his amazing art long before we were blessed with   his friendship. But once you got to know Ralph it was impossible not to become a   fan of Ralph the man.

Ralph was a very special person for many more reasons than his undeniable   brilliance with a brush. He was an especially kind, sensitive, deep, modest,   funny and fascinating gentleman. And as fine a role model as any one could have   wished for.

His influence on design will be felt forever. There’s no doubt in our   hearts that centuries from now amazing spaceships will soar, future cities will   rise and someone, somewhere will say…

“that looks like something Ralph McQuarrie painted.”

Photo of Mr. McQuarrie © his website, and Star Wars photos ©Lucasfilm.