Fess Dies Today at 85

Davy Crockey, Daniel Boone, the dad on Old Yeller

As a kid growing up in the mountains north of Santa Barbara, CA, I lived a little like the boys on Old Yeller (except we had cars and electricity and stuff).  I even made a home movie in my backyard based on Old Yeller, starring my own dog.  

My dad would take us to a little restaurant in Santa Ynez for lunch because he knew Fess Parker ate there often.  I loved seeing him at the next table and thinking "I'm eating chicken strips next to Davy Crocket".  I never had the guts to do more than just look at the guy.  He looked like an older version of Davy Crocket and the dad on Old Yeller and sounded exactly the same.

Walt and Fess, Disneyland 1955

2004 ceremony honoring Parker with a Frontierland Window

Just last week I listened to the audio commentary on the Old Yeller DVD to hear Fess Parker talk about his experience, and thought to myself, "I hope he lives for many years to come".  I only wish I went up to the old man in that little restaurant one of those times and chatted for a minute about his cool legacy.

Roy E. Disney Dies at 79

We are very sad to announce the passing of Roy E. Disney.  He helped save the Disney Company more than once.  He contributed to Disney film making, he supported Disney animation and parks when other company executives would not.  He led the "Save Disney Campaign" in 2004, ultimately leading to the resignation of Eisner.  He knew Walt (his uncle) well and always tried to stand for what he represented.  As a child he literally sat at the feet of Walt to hear first-hand the ideas of the genius himself.

Official Company Statement

A Message from Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company: Roy E. Disney Passes
 
Dear Cast Members,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney. After a courageous year-long fight with stomach cancer, he passed away peacefully this morning at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, surrounded by his loving family.

Roy played an important role in our lives here at Disney, and in the success of our Company over many years. Along the way, he touched many of us in a personal way. During his 56-year association with the Company, his true passion and focus was preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. His commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of the greatest contributions to Disney's past, present and future.

Roy not only helped to keep the legacy alive, but he also embraced new technologies, and gave the filmmakers the tools they needed to tell their stories in new and exciting ways. He encouraged talent, and loved working with the creative community. And they loved working with him.

Roy was a Disney Legend in every sense of the word, and his contributions to this great Company have been profound and will always be remembered. For the next week we will be flying the Disney flag at half mast here at the Studio and at our parks, and I know you join me in sending thoughts and prayers to Roy's wife, Leslie, his four children, and his 16 grandchildren. For those who wish to pay their respects, the family has requested that donations be made in Roy's name to the California International Sailing Association (CISA) to benefit youth sailing.
 

Bob