American animator Joe Ruby, who co-created the cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has died aged 87. He died of natural causes at his residence in Westlake Village, California on Wednesday, reported Variety quoting his grandson Benjamin Ruby.

Confirming the death Benjamin said that he had never lost his passion for animation. “He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged,” Benjamin said. Sam Register, the President of Warner Bros Animation, remembered Ruby as a man who made Saturday mornings special for so many children.

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“He was one of the most prolific creators in our industry who gifted us some of animation’s most treasured characters and it was a thrill to host him at our studio,” he said.

Ruby and Ken Sparks had created the Scooby-Doo, Where are You series back in 1969. The cartoon spawned numerous films. Initially, they worked for the animation studio Hanna-Barbera but later formed their own production company, Ruby-Spears production.

“Scooby-Doo has been a beloved companion on screens for more than 50 years, leaving an enduring legacy that has inspired and entertained generations. We at Warner Bros Animation have the privilege and honour of carrying on that legacy and send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones,” Sam said.

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The original show ran on CBS for seven years and was rebooted numerous times ever since.

Ruby began his career as an intern at Walt Disney Productions. He has also co-created Dynomutt, Dog Wonder and Jabberjaw for Hannah Barbara. After starting their own production company, they created numerous Saturday morning cartoons including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Superman, Mister T, Fangface, The Plastic Man comedy-adventure Hour, Thundarr the Barbarian and Saturday Supercade.