A very sad day for all of us Disney fans as the nephew of Walt Disney (Roy Edward Disney) dies at the age of 79.
"His death follows follows a year-long battle with stomach cancer.Roy Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy.
He was associated with the company for 56 years, and from 1984 to 2003, served as vice-chairman of the company's board of directors and chairman of the studio's animation department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant to the company.
As head of Disney Animation, Disney helped to guide the studio to successes including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King.
He executive-produced Fantasia/2000, a sequel to the 1940 Disney classic.
Bob Iger, president and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, said: "On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney.
"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.""
