Disney Cast Members that worked with Ralph and knew him well mourn the loss today, but went on to say that they are sure Ralph is happy, as he´s reunited with Walt Disney.
Born January 28, 1939, Ralph Kent realized his childhood dream and met and worked for Walt Disney. Enamored with Disney animation after seeing “Pinocchio” while a child in New York, he instantly became attached to that character, including his innocent sense of wonder and awe. At 10 years of age, he painted the basement walls of his home with a mural of Disney characters, including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and of course, Pinocchio.
His love of Disney and the films inspired him to write a letter to Walt Disney, and one to which Walt personally replied.
Ralph attended the University of Buffalo Albright Art School, and in 1960, joined the U.S. Army, illustrating military training aids and films.
In 1963, his greatest dream was finally realized when he was hired as a marketing production artist for Disneyland, in order to develop marketing materials for the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room and other classic attractions. When he finally had a chance to meet Walt Disney in person, he referred to the letter from the “kid from Buffalo.” Walt not only recalled the letter, but asked Ralph why he hadn´t approached him sooner, to which Ralph replied, “‘I was just in awe of you, and still am.”
Ralph later went on to create training materials for attractions at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, and spent time as director of Walt Disney Imagineering East, overseeing Florida staff support for EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland. He worked with fellow Legends Van Arsdale France and Dick Nunis, creators of Disney University, developing training materials for the Company’s four attractions featured at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, including it’s a small world. He also served as art director to Celebrity Sports Center in Denver, which Walt co-owned with celebrities including Art Linkletter and Jack Benny
One of Ralph´s greatest personal achievements was the creation of the first limited-edition Mickey Mouse watch in 1965. Originally designed for 25 of Walt Disney´s top executives, it sparked the creation of countless other watches being created for sale to Guests.
In 1971, Ralph moved on to creating souvenirs for Walt Disney World, and in 1979 became Director of Walt Disney Imagineering East. He later became Corporate Trainer for the Disney Design Group, teaching the new artists the finer points of character model drawing.
Ralph retired in May, 2004 after 41 years with the Company, and was named a Disney Legend that same year. He was awarded with one of Disney´s highest honors – the dedication of a window on Main Street, USA in the Magic Kingdom. His window, which is over Casey´s Corner and faces Cinderella Castle, and appropriately reads, “The Ralph Kent Collection: Fine Arts and Collectibles. Anaheim, Lake Buena Vista and Tokyo.”
Services are as follows:
·Ralph will be cremated at the Grissom Funeral Home, 803 W. Emmett Street, Kissimmee, on Thursday, September 13. TIME TBD
·The funeral will be on Saturday, September 15 in the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah Witness, 1525 Mill Slough Road in Kissimmee. TIME TBD
·In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jehovah Witness, 1525 Mill Slough Road, Kissimmee (407-933-7547)
Editor’s Note: In 2005, I had a chance to meet Mr. Kent and visit with him at his home. In what was an amazing and memorable experience, I had the chance to sit and chat with someone whose work was worthy of his status as a Disney Legend. I also conducted an interview with him for the now-defunct MouseTunes podcast where he shared wonderful stories about working with Walt Disney, as well as his accomplishments in Walt Disney World, including Epcot, and work at the Disney Design Group. I have edited the interview from the full show, and you can download it from HERE .
I considred Ralph and his wife to be friends, and I am personally saddened by this news. My sincere condolences go to his wife and entire family.
