LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Walt Disney's nephew, Roy Edward Disney, died of stomach cancer Wednesday in a Newport Beach, Calif., hospital, The Walt Disney Co. said. He was 79.
The son of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney served as Disney vice chairman and chairman of the Disney Studio's Animation Department during his 56-year-long career with the entertainment empire. He was also a noted philanthropist and filmmaker. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the company.
"As head of Disney Animation, (Roy E.) 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 in a statement on its Web site.
Private funeral and cremation services are being planned for Disney. His ashes are expected to be scattered at sea.
"On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney," said Bob Iger, president and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Co. "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. Roy's commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney's past, present and future."
