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.