Yesterday, Walt's legacy on this earth got a little dimmer when his daughter and champion, Diane Disney Miller, passed away.
In 1954, she married Ron Miller, and together, they raised seven children. Three of them are shown here with their proud grandfather.
Some of the things she will be remembered for include her diligence about keeping Frank Gehry as the architect for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Her crowning achievement will most likely be the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.
I never had the opportunity to meet Diane, but I do remember Julie Nixon Eisenhower telling me how Diane had made a difference in her life.
During one of the many times that Julie's father was being bashed by the press, Diane called her up to give some understanding and compassion since she had suffered through similar abuse from the media that had been heaped on her own father. Both adored their parents, and while they saw the flaws, they also saw the magnificent gifts that they had worked tirelessly to bestow upon the world. I thought that was a wonderful testament to the character of Diane.
Rest in peace, Diane; I hope someone in the family takes up your role in keeping the legacy of Walt alive in such a positive and meaningful way.
See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.
Thank you for this lovely post. I finally made it back down to Disneyland last week, and I still enjoy everything about it with the wonder of a child. I have not yet made it to the museum, but I know I will, and it is something I truly look forward to. The Disney family legacy dwells in my heart forever.
ReplyDeleteI felt so sad when I read about Diane's passing. It's hard to believe that now the entire family in photo #2 celebrating an anniversary is no longer here.
ReplyDeleteVery touching tribute. Thanks, Dave.
A sad day indeed. This family has done so much for the world, I am very grateful.
ReplyDeleteJG
Wow, the Disney legacy has passed. Sems like only yesterday...
ReplyDeleteKS
RIP Diane
ReplyDeletehttp://tresorsdisney.blogspot.com
Having cut myself off from most news and internet for a week (which was basically very nice!), I was very saddened to come home only to discover that Diane had passed away. She seemed like an amazing lady, and a tireless defender of her father's legacy.
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