Walt's nephew, Roy E. Disney, died yesterday from complications due to stomach cancer he'd been battling for a year, just one day after the anniversary of his uncle Walt's passing on December 15, 1966.
Roy is credited with bringing feature animation success back to Walt Disney Studios with hits like Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast, and Alladin.
Roy was never afraid to take a stand in favor of what he felt was best for Disney -- doing so in 1977, 1983, and again in 2003. He was an outspoken critic that produced results for the Walt Disney Company.
In my humble opinion, he will be greatly missed not just by the company, but by fans of Disney around the world. He believed in the magic of Disney and shared that magic with us all.
Rest in peace, Roy.