SAD NEWS DISNEY LEGEND MARTY SKLAR PASSED AWAY TODAY AT 83 YEARS OLD #158

This is sad shocking news, my wife found this on the D23EXPO page tonight.

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Legendary Disney Imagineer Marty Sklar Dies At 83

JULY 27, 2017

Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. “Marty” Sklar passed away in his Hollywood Hills home on Thursday. He was 83. During an illustrious career spanning 54 years, Marty worked closely with Walt Disney and was instrumental in creating, enhancing and expanding Disney’s creative vision. Named a Disney Legend in 2001, he is best remembered and revered by fans around the world for his work bringing Disney’s theme parks to life.

“Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He embodied the very best of Disney, from his bold originality to his joyful optimism and relentless drive for excellence. He was also a powerful connection to Walt himself. No one was more passionate about Disney than Marty and we’ll miss his enthusiasm, his grace, and his indomitable spirit.”

Born in New Brunswick, N.J., on February 6, 1934, Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time, and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerunner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54^th birthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall.

“Marty was the ultimate Disney Imagineer and Cast Member. From his days working as an intern with Walt to just two weeks ago engaging with fans at D23 Expo, Marty left an indelible mark on Disney Parks around the globe and on all of the guests who make memories every day with us,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “He was one of the few people that was fortunate to attend the opening of every single Disney park in the world, from Anaheim in 1955 to Shanghai just last year. We will dearly miss Marty’s passion, skill and imaginative spark that inspired generations of Cast, Crew and Imagineers.”

Bob Weis was one of those Imagineers. “Marty was one of Walt’s most trusted advisors and helped turn his most ambitious dreams into reality. For us, it’s hard to imagine a world without Marty, because Marty is synonymous with Imagineering,” said Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering. “His influence can be seen around the world, in every Disney park, and in the creative and imaginative work of almost every professional in the themed entertainment industry.”

Marty’s impact and achievements were recognized with a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), induction into the Hall of Fame of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), and the prestigious Professional Achievement Award from UCLA.

He also authored several books about his experiences and adventures at Disney: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms (2013), and One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering (2015).

Marty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah; son Howard and his wife, Katriina Koski-Sklar; grandchildren Gabriel and Hannah; daughter Leslie; and grandchildren Rachel and Jacob.

Marty and Leah were two of the founders of the Ryman Program for Young Artists, a project of Ryman Arts, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and mentor “traditional” drawing and painting skills to talented young artists in Southern California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marty’s name to Ryman Arts at www.rymanarts.org.

We were at the D23EXPO almost Two weeks ago, when I bumped into Michael Smyth, he took me to meet Marty Sklar, when we got to the booth Bob Gurr was there , but Marty had stepped away, for lunch. So I never got to meet him.
I cannot believe he just passed away.
Rest In Peace.

Stan Lee's Wife Joan Dies At 93. #150

I would like to thank the website Comicbook/Marvel and the Hollywood Reporter for this sad news  today.
Sad new has just broke that Stan Lee's wife Joan has passed away at age 93. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the tragic news moments ago.

"I can confirm the sad news that Joan Lee passed away this morning quietly and surrounded by her family," a spokesperson for Stan Lee and his family told The Hollywood Reporter. "The family ask that you please give them time to grieve and respect their privacy during this difficult time."

According to sources, Joan Lee suffered a stroke earlier this week and was hospitalized. The former British model married Stan Lee back in December 1947. Reports say the pair instantly fell in love, and they had two children together. J.C (Joan Celia) was born in 1950 while Jan was born in 1953. Sadly, their second child passed away shortly after being born.

Last year, Stan Lee spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and recounted how he met his wife. Joan moved to New York during World War II after marrying an American soldier after her childhood sweetheart wed someone else. Joan was unhappy with her new situation, and Lee said his cousin wanted to try and set him up with someone. The family member had a model named Betty in mind, but Lee wound up meeting Joan instead.

"When I was young, there was one girl I drew; one body and face and hair. It was my idea of what a girl should be. The perfect woman. And when I got out of the Army, somebody, a cousin of mine, knew a model, a hat model at a place called Laden Hats. He said, 'Stan, there's this really pretty girl named Betty. I think you’d like her. She might like you. Why don’t you go over and ask her to lunch.' Blah, blah, blah.

"So I went up to this place. Betty didn’t answer the door. But Joan answered, and she was the head model. I took one look at her — and she was the girl I had been drawing all my life. And then I heard the English accent. And I’m a nut for English accents! She said, 'May I help you?' And I took a look at her, and I think I said something crazy like, 'I love you.' I don’t remember exactly. But anyway, I took her to lunch. I never met Betty, the other girl. I think I proposed to [Joan] at lunch.”

Joan was able to get a divorce from her current husband by moving to Nevada. At that time, the state was more lenient with divorce grants, but Joan was able to pursue her love for Stan Lee. An hour after being granted a divorce, Joan and Stan married. The couple then returned to New York where Stan continued his work with Timely/Atlas Comics, and Joan continued to be an avid supporter of her husband’s work in the coming decades.
In fact, Joan appears to have been Stan’s inspiration for the Fantastic Four. The writer credits his wife with giving him the motivation to write when he was almost determined to quit the business. "Before you quit," Joan told him, "why don’t you write one comic you are proud of?" And, as Marvel fans now know, the Fantastic Four were brought to life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Stan Lee and his family at this time.