Walter Elias Disney 1901-1966 Today marks the anniversary of the death of Walt Disney. I have in my collection, a small sampling of historic Disney-related newspapers. In tribute, I present the front page of the December 15, 1966 Santa Monica Evening Outlook. Under the banner: DEATH TAKES WALT DISNEY, were several articles. Here are some excerpts: Walt Disney, who fashioned a golden entertainment empire from the gossamer threads of fantasy to the delight of commoners and kings alike, died today at the age of 65. He died about 9:35 a.m. at St. Josephs Hospital in Burbank where he returned for a postoperative checkup following recent surgery. Disney underwent surgery for removal of one lung Nov. 21, after doctors found a tumor which had caused an abscess. His studio, after at first declining to give the cause of death, later attributed it to acute circulatory collapse. There was no elaboration. However, an informed source said Disney suffered from spreading cancer. A spokesman said private funeral services would be held. The cartoonist-turned-movie-mogul, amusement park operator and television emcee was one of the worlds most beloved and honored figures of the 20th century. Under the headline: Tributes Pour In For Walt Disney: Film stars and directors, political figures and actors-turned-politicians joined in the general mourning this afternoon for the passing of Walt Disney. Gov-elect Ronald Reagan, himself a former star, led the tributes: There just arent enough words to express my personal grief, Reagan said. The entire world is a poorer place now. U.S. Sen. George Murphy, R-Calif., also a former actor, called Disney one of the greatest human beings in all of history. This is a great loss not only to the entertainment industry, but to the nation and the entire world. I know of no individual who has contributed more to the general welfare of mankind or in telling the true and exciting story of our great country, which he loved so dearly, Murphy said. Walt Disney was a beloved friend and in my estimation one of the great human beings in all of history. The front page photo carried the following caption: Walt Disney, with life-sized creation of the cartoon character that first made him famous, Mickey Mouse, rode proudly as grand marshal of the Rose Parade, Jan. 1, 1966.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:09:54 +0000