Punk rock icon Arturo Vega, creative designer and lights operator for the Ramones, died June 8, 2013 at the age of 65.

Vega, a Mexican national who emigrated to New York in the 1970s, was the designer of the “Hey Ho Let’s Go” eagle/baseball bat/band members’ name logo that adorned their shirts for 20 plus years. He also provided care for the band in their formative years, providing a home for bassist Dee Dee and singer Joey in his Bowery loft. Later, he served as the band’s archivist.

News of Vega’s death was announced by Legs McNeil, the author of Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, who wrote in a statement, “Sleep gently my dear friend, you were the must optimistic, jubilant and fun pal anyone could wish for. I don’t know what the world will be like without, nor do I want to even imagine it… But I know you will find eternal happiness wherever you end up….I love you Arturo.” (via SFBG, CoS)