The villains proved a big hit among viewers and remain an important part of the show today. Their electronic command of 'exterminate' became a cultural staple.
The official Doctor Who Magazine tweeted: "It's with great sadness that we report the death of Ray Cusick – the designer of the Daleks. Half a century on, his iconic design lives on."
The popular show is due to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
Doctor Who actor and writer Mark Gatiss tweeted: "Farewell to the great Ray Cusick. His passing is especially sad in this anniversary year but his creation remains immortal. Daleks forever!"
In a 2008 episode of Doctor Who Confidential on BBC Three, Mr Cusick explained that inspiration for the Daleks' design came from a lunch with special effects expert Bill Roberts, who was responsible for making the creatures.
Mr Cusick picked up a pepper pot and moved it around the table before he said: "It's going to move like that – no visible means."
Dr Who viewers were told on the show that the Daleks had been the creation of a scientist who believed they would help him survive a war on their home planet of Skaro. But the alien race was later responsible for his death.
Mr Cusick, from Horsham in West Sussex, leaves two daughters and seven grandchildren.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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