Just a few months after the passing of Joe Ruby at 87 years old, we’ve learned the sad news today that his Scooby-Doo co-creator Ken Spears has passed away at the age of 82.
Spears died from complications related to Lewy body dementia, Variety reports.
“Ken will forever be remembered for his wit, his story-telling, his loyalty to family, and his strong work ethic,” Ken’s son Kevin told Variety. “Ken has not only made a lasting impression on his family, but he has touched the lives of many as co-creator of ‘Scooby-Doo.’ Ken has been a role model for us throughout his life and he will continue to live on in our hearts.”
The Ruby/Spears-created 1969 animated series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” launched a multimedia franchise that has remained incredibly popular across decades and generations.
Ruby and Spears also created “Dynomutt” and “Jabberjaw” for Hanna-Barbera. The creative duo later launched Ruby-Spears Productions in 1977 and produced shows including “Fangface,” “The Plastic Man Comedy-Adventure Hour,” “Thundarr the Barbarian,” “Saturday Supercade,” “Mister T,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Sectaurs” and “Superman.”
“Spears is survived by his two sons, Kevin and Chris; their wives, his five grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren,” Variety notes.