IN MEMORIAM
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Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, dies
The man who played a key role in stimulating The Walt Disney Co. passed away at age 79.
By Kristen SchottPublished: December 16, 2009 12:30 AM
Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Co.Roy Edward Disney, the man who played an essential role in bringing new life to The Walt Disney Co. and the company's animation business, died today at the age of 79. Disney was the son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney.
Disney passed away at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach after a yearlong struggle with stomach cancer. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney.
Disney was born in L.A. on Jan. 10, 1930. He was a notable businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker and avid sailor. He was with The Walt Disney Co. for a 56-year period, and between 1984 and 2003, he served as vice chairman of the board of directors, as well as chairman of the studio's animation department. He also was director emeritus and consultant for the company.
"On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney," says The Walt Disney Co. President and CEO Bob Iger. "He was much more than a valued 56-year company veteran – Roy's true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle."
Under his leadership, the animation arm churned out a number of classic movies. Among them: "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King." Other admirable feats include serving as executive producer of "Fantasia/2000" and "Morning Light," a live-action documentary about the Transpac race from L.A. to Honolulu.
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Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Co. Disney passed away at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach after a yearlong struggle with stomach cancer. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney. Disney was born in L.A. on Jan. 10, 1930. He was a notable businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker and avid sailor. He was with The Walt Disney Co. for a 56-year period, and between 1984 and 2003, he served as vice chairman of the board of directors, as well as chairman of the studio's animation department. He also was director emeritus and consultant for the company. "On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney," says The Walt Disney Co. President and CEO Bob Iger. "He was much more than a valued 56-year company veteran – Roy's true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle." Under his leadership, the animation arm churned out a number of classic movies. Among them: "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King." Other admirable feats include serving as executive producer of "Fantasia/2000" and "Morning Light," a live-action documentary about the Transpac race from L.A. to Honolulu. NEXT PAGE >> |
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