Well damn...
If you don't know who he is, Lucas wrote a nice eulogy (http://www.starwars.com/news/ralph_mcquarrie_remembered.html).
Yeah, I think the title of this thread is perhaps a bit tasteless.
Ralph McQuarrie's art not only inspired the look of Star Wars, but has also inspired several generations of artists, writers and producers. I remember first seeing his Star Wars production art as a young boy doing research on Star Wars and ILM at my local library.
I own a couple of prints by the man, and they've always inspired me.
Bt