When Sofia and I first moved to LA, we went to a D23 event at the Griffith Park Carrousel for a dedication that was taking place for Diane Disney Miller. She passed away on November 19, 2013 and new benches were being placed at the carrousel in her memory. Many of Walt’s grandchildren were there, in addition to Ron Miller who made a heartwarming speech. The entire event was full of emotion.
It was an honor to see former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Ron Miller, present live and speak so graciously about his wife, and Walt Disney’s daughter. After the short presentations and dedication, I had a brief conversation with Ron’s daughter in law whilst my friend, Jonathan, met Ron and had a photo taken with him. I know that is a photo he will always cherish.
The ceremony can be seen here:
After Ron’s passing, I spoke with Disney Legend, Floyd Norman, at Walt’s Barn on Sunday 17th 2019. Floyd described how funny it was to know Ron as ‘the boss,’ but later know him as a friend where they would enjoy dinner together at the family wine yard. He shared how Ron felt the weight and pressure of running the company after Walt and Roy passed away, but as Floyd said, “who wouldn’t?”
Floyd shares his memories on his blog:
It is known that there was a divide within the Disney family after Ron left the company as CEO. It isn’t surprising that it was a difficult time because there were no clear plans set for the company after Walt and Roy O. Disney died. Walt never had a plan because he was always dreaming for the future and never considered that he would dissapear without warning. In Diane Disney Miller’s documentary about Walt, ‘The Man Behind the Myth,’ Ron is interviewed and describes how Walt shared a private moment with him on a family vacation. Walt knew he needed a good 10 years to get EPCOT completed as he envisioned. One of my biggest disappointments is that Walt didn’t get to see his vision come to life. I truly believe the world we live in today would be very different, and much better, if Walt had achieved his final dream.
Through conversations I have had with people that know the Disney family, I am pleased to hear that before Roy E. Disney passed away, he and Diane made a mends and parted on good terms.
After his time as CEO, Ron and his family went on to develop the renowned Silverado Vineyards Winery in Napa Valley. As a kind thank you from the Walt Disney Family Foundation for volunteering at Walt Disney’s Barn, I have received wine from the winery. It is an incredible treat to enjoy a bottle of wine personally donated to us by the Disney/Miller family.
More information can be found about Silverado Vineyards here:
The Walt Disney Family Museum and Walt Disney’s Barn are both run by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, now headed up by Walt’s Grandchildren. The wonderful legacy will continue but there will certainly be a void without Ron’s presence.
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