I've associated Lucas with Star Wars ever since I saw the making of doc on tv back in the day. He was a big part of the 10th anniversary celebration, even taking unscripted questions from fans. (Imagine that going on these days!)

Somewhere at Skywalker Ranch is a giant birthday card from that '87 con, with hundreds of well wishes from fans written on it. All variations of "Thanks George". It took a hell of a lot to piss all that goodwill away.

I was even happy to see him get his award at the '92 Oscars. Or course, that was before he was replaced by his evil twin, but I digress. ;)