I first learned of Dave Smith through my friend, Luis Gonzalez when I worked in the UK Disney office. In 2008, Luis was tasked to relaunch the Disney store Trivia program and I supported him with the show’s story, theming and media content. Luis had previously worked for the Disney stores in North America and was aware that Dave played an important role in supporting the program. Dave would verify the questions and answers, and he would attend the Trivia Finals to celebrate with the champions at Disneyland.
For Europe's Disney store Trivia program relaunch, Luis reached out to Dave at The Walt Disney Archives and asked him to record a short video message congratulating the winner. With this footage, I edited a finale video that had Dave speaking to his excitement of seeing the winner in California. Since that relaunch, Dave met with the Trivia champions from Europe and also North America every year until his passing. The time he spent with each Cast Member meant so much and I know he made lasting impressions and memories with them that will last a lifetime.
During my first trip to Los Angeles in 2009 (which was also my first work trip to the state), I was fortunate to meet Dave in his Walt Disney Archives office on the Studio Lot. Although I don’t recall the details of the conversation Jonathan and I had, I do remember that he fondly spoke about Disney stores and how he has added many store items, especially name tags, to the archives. We took a photo together in front of a painting that hung on his office wall, I presume it was the original. Titled, ‘Read,’ the painting was created in 1978 by the American Library Association to encourage children to read.
The photo I took that day proudly hangs on my wall with Dave’s autograph and a set of Walt Disney Archives pins. My parents kindly framed it for me as a Christmas present.
When I transferred to the states for work, I met Dave several more times at the Trivia Finals which were masterfully organized by Garrett Hicks. I also bumped into him at the 2013 D23 Expo. I recall he was simply walking around, taking in the sites of the exhibition. Every time I got to meet Dave he was kind, softly spoken and of course, very knowledgeable.
Dave was born and raised in Pasadena, the same city Sofia and I have lived in during our first years living in America. I feel very fortunate to have met Dave Smith, a true Disney Legend.
About Dave Smith, 1940 - 2019:
Founder of The Walt Disney Archives
Dave was hired in 1970 by Roy O. Disney and his first responsibility was to catalogue every item inside Walt Disney’s office suite, which had been left untouched after Walt’s passing four years prior.
Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to preserve Disney’s precious treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond. Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave was beloved by fans around the world for his wide knowledge of the Company’s rich history, which he shared in books and through his popular magazine column, “Ask Dave.”
Further information is available at
