Roy E. Disney Passes Away...

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/12/82058/

Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, has died at the age of 79.

 

Disney passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16, after a battle with cancer, a spokesman for Disney's company Shamrock Holdings told the Los Angeles Times.

 

Born in the 1930s, the younger Disney was a writer and producer for the family business and later influenced two investor revolts, one being against Michael Eisner. Disney's father, Roy O. Disney, and his Uncle Walt founded The Walt Disney Co. in the 1920s.

Artcile from CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/16/roy.disney.obit/

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Roy Edward Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney, died Wednesday after a bout with stomach cancer, according to a Walt Disney Co. spokesman.

 

Disney "played a key role in the revitalization of the Walt Disney Co. and Disney's animation legacy," the company said.

 

He died in a Newport Beach, California, hospital at the age of 79.

 

His father -- Roy O. Disney -- co-founded the Disney entertainment business with Walt Disney in 1923.

 

Roy E. Disney's 56-year association with the company culminated in 2003 when he stepped down as vice chairman of Disney's board and chairman of the Disney Studio's Animation Department. He kept the title director emeritus and consultant in recent years, the company said.

 

"As head of Disney Animation, Disney helped to guide the studio to a new golden age of animation with an unprecedented string of artistic and box office successes that included 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Aladdin' and 'The Lion King,' " the company said.

 

A private funeral service and cremation are planned, the company said. His ashes will be scattered at sea, it said.

Sad news. As someone who has been in meetings with the guy when I worked on Aladdin and Lion King, he was very passionate about his animation studio.

Probably one of the last people who seemed to actually want to carry out Walt's dream...

Very sad news indeed.

I still can't believe he was on the board just six years ago. And that ouster of Eisner seems like eons ago, already.

Sad year for Disney Legends.

Too bad. It's a sad day for the entertainment/theme park industry.

A very sad year indeed. Roy, you will be missed.

John

Warm feelings and big warm bear hugs to his family and friends and collegues (sp?).

I think his face and voice was "the last rep of Disney" I truly remember in the past couple of decades.

Rest. Peace. Joy.

Sad news. Shame to hear such an influential man pass away, but I suppose no-one can last forever.

I'm sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to his loved ones and a thank you to his family for all the joy they've given the world throughout the years.

Think about it...Without Roy, there wouldn't be a Walt Disney World Resort today. I remember seeing on the WDW Modern Marvels that the Imaginers and asked him (Roy) if they should continue with the progress.

I myself took a moment of silence since Disney has been a big part of my entire life. I also work at a local Disney Store. I'm saddened by this news and only hope the company stays the way it is going towards the dream.

Think about it...Without Roy, there wouldn't be a Walt Disney World Resort today. I remember seeing on the WDW Modern Marvels that the Imaginers and asked him (Roy) if they should continue with the progress.

I think you're thinking of Roy O. Disney, this Roy's dad.

What a depressing way to end the decade, and right before Christmas too. I really respected this man, and I'm very scared to know how this will effect the company. He will be very missed by me and my entire family. RIP Roy, you made your uncle proud.

At least Roy and Walt are together again in Heaven...

R.I.P. Roy E. Disney...

Think about it...Without Roy, there wouldn't be a Walt Disney World Resort today. I remember seeing on the WDW Modern Marvels that the Imaginers and asked him (Roy) if they should continue with the progress.

 

I think you're thinking of Roy O. Disney, this Roy's dad.

You're right. My bad!

At least Roy and Walt are together again in Heaven...

...and they have been since 1971 when Roy O. Disney, Walt's brother and business partner died.

Again, I believe you're thinking about Roy *O* Disney...who was the "Roy" in the "Walt and Roy" that everyone pictures together as having started what we know today as The Walt Disney Company.

Roy O. Disney passed away in 1971. If he were to have been the one who passed away today, he would have been 116 years old!

Roy *E* Disney was the son of Roy *O* Disney and he is the one who passed away today.

Just wanted to make sure you knew which Roy Disney you were talking about.

--Robb

This discussion has now made me think of the Starbucks commercial where they substituted "Eye of the Tiger" lyrics with just the name Roy.

Roy.

Roy, roy, roy.

Roy, roy, roy.

Roy, roy, roooyyyyyyyy.

I read this in the paper this morning, and my heart goes out to his family. He was a force in Disney Animation and responsible for many of its hits. He was both a good man and an innovator, and he will be missed.

The Los Angeles Times had an appreciation which I found to be very excellent.