Ron Miller, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company and son-in-law of Walt Disney, passed away at the age of 85 on Saturday, February 9 in Napa, California.
Miller was the husband of Walt Disney’s daughter Diane Disney Miller, the President of the Board of Directors at The Walt Disney Family Museum, and the owner of Silverado Vineyards in Napa. He served as President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 1978 to 1984. Under Miller’s leadership, The Walt Disney Company created Walt Disney Home Video, Touchstone Pictures, and The Disney Channel. Later, Miller supported Diane’s effort to document and honor the life of her father, from producing the documentary film “Walt: The Man Behind the Myth” to later establishing The Walt Disney Family Museum in 2009.
“Everyone at The Walt Disney Company is deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Miller. His life and legacy are inextricably linked with our Company and the Disney family because he was such a vital part of both, as our CEO and Walt’s son-in-law,” current Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger said in a statement. “Few people had Ron’s understanding of our history, or a deeper appreciation and respect for our company, and he shared it generously with anyone who wanted to know more. I was fortunate to have known him, and even luckier to have called him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Donations may be made to the memorial fund that The Walt Disney Family Museum has established in honor of Ron and Diane Disney Miller. Donations will support the museum’s ongoing education efforts, about which Ron was passionate. Donations and cards can also be sent to the family through The Walt Disney Family Museum, ATTN: Director’s Office; 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129.
Miller’s memorial services will be private. The Walt Disney Family Museum has not yet announced plans for a public commemoration of Miller’s life.
To read more about Miller’s life and contributions to The Walt Disney Company and The Walt Disney Family Museum, visit his memorial page here.
Source: The Walt Disney Family Museum