Indeed, Mel Birnkrant was his name. He also did the Outer Space Men and Real Monsters toys. Thanks to Mr. Scythemantis for that nugget.
And not to mention Oodles! He's actually a great guy too, I had a little chat with him on email a while back.
I feel like I should nominate a 'worst LRG' but I'd feel kinda bad on any I put forward...