NAPA, CA. (THECOUNT) — Former Disney CEO and son-in-law of Walt Disney, Ron Miller, has passed away on Saturday in Napa, Ca.
Miller, 85, served as president and later CEO of Disney from 1978 to 1984. He was president of the board of directors of the Walt Disney Family Museum and owner of Silverado Vineyards, reports variety.
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In 1954, Diane Disney married Miller, a former professional football player.
Miller was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and later played with the team during the 1962 NFL season. He was also drafted in the twenty-first round of the 1961 American Football League Draft by the Houston Oilers, according to wikipedia.
“Everyone at The Walt Disney Company is deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Miller. His life and legacy are inextricably linked with our Company and the Disney family because he was such a vital part of both, as our CEO and Walt’s son-in-law,” said Disney chairman-ceo Bob Iger in a statement. “Few people had Ron’s understanding of our history, or a deeper appreciation and respect for our company, and he shared it generously with anyone who wanted to know more. I was fortunate to have known him, and even luckier to have called him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” source
Miller met the older of Disney’s two daughters, Diane, while both were attending USC. They married in 1954. Diane Disney Miller died in 2013.
Geo quick facts: Napa is the seat of Napa County, California, in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. Its downtown is known for late-1800s and early-1900s architecture, a riverfront promenade with shops and restaurants, and an arts scene anchored by the Napa Valley Opera House. The Oxbow Public Market houses a farmer’s market and cheese shop, and the Napa Valley Wine Train visits area wineries via vintage Pullman cars – wikipedia.