Merl Saunders, a keyboardist who collaborated throughout more than two decades with Grateful Dead lead singer Jerry Garcia, passed away Friday, Oct. 24, at the age of 74.

Merl Saunders died Friday in San Francisco from complications after he suffered a stroke several years ago, his family said. A heart-felt message posted on the musician’s website by the family said they were saddened by his death but comforted by his fans’ loyalty and affection.

“Merl Saunders stood for music and love - his smile alone told you that,” the statement said, adding that he was “a special man, a beautiful companion, father, grandfather, and family patriarch.”

Merl Saunders made some of his most famous music in the 1960s and 1970s, collaborating with Jerry Garcia, lead singer of cult rock band the Grateful Dead. The Saunders-Garcia Band made two albums in the 1970s and played together until Garcia’s death in 1995. “Blues from the Rainforest,” his 1990 album that featured Garcia and drummer Muruga Booker, was popular at the time.

He also collaborated throughout his career with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, David Soul and Bonnie Raitt, among others.

Merl Saunders’ family said a memorial service would be held on Oct. 29 in San Francisco. The public has been invited to make donations to either the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic or the Rainforest Action Network in lieu of flowers.

Merl Saunders is survived by his long-term partner, two sons and a daughter.