The co-creator of classic Christmas cartoons Frosty The Snowman and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer has died.

Arthur Rankin Jr. and his partner Jules Bass launched their animation production company in 1960. Their first series was released the same year, The New Adventures of Pinocchio. Later series included Tales of the Wizard of Oz, King Kong, Jackson 5ive and Thundercats.

Rankin-Bass Productions was best known for their classic holiday specials featuring a unique stop-motion style. In addition to 1964’s Rudolph and 1969’s Frosty, the company produced such classic TV favorites as Here Comes Peter Cottontail, The Little Drummer Boy, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and The Year Without a Santa Claus.

Rankin passed away last Thursday at age 89.