Described by his family as a "beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague and mentor" Kurtz, died from cancer in London on Sunday.
The American-born former marine produced Star Wars films A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back with director George Lucas.
Kurtz also worked on hit films including American Graffiti and The Dark Crystal.
"Gary was passionate about telling stories that shared the humanity of characters in entertaining ways for audiences around the world," his family said in a statement.
Kurtz was "a magnificent man, who will be hugely missed", they added.
Jason Joiner, who worked with Kurtz on archiving Star Wars material, said in a social media post that his art "left lasting impressions on generations of adults and children across the world".
"We have him to thank for these wonderful memories that he made for us all," Joiner wrote.
"Gary Kurtz helped to create the force and it is with us always," he added.
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