Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro has shared a statement on his personal Instagram following the passing of Disney Legend Dick Nunis.
Josh D’Amaro Shares Statement on Dick Nunis’ Passing
The statement was shared alongside the above photo of Nunis, with D’Amaro giving his condolences to Nunis’ family.
On behalf of every Cast Member, Crew Member, Imagineer and employee of Disney Experiences, I want to express my gratitude to Disney Legend Dick Nunis… and my condolences to his family following the sad news of his passing. Dick’s impact on our theme parks business is everlasting.
Along with our founder, Walt Disney, Dick helped shape our business, create happiness for millions of families around the world… and set a standard that an entire industry must now live up to.
Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman
You can see the original Instagram post from D’Amaro embedded below:
Disney Legend and Former EVP of Disney Parks Dick Nunis Passes Away at 91
Dick Nunis began his “summer job” at Disneyland before the park’s opening in 1955 after hearing about it through his University of Southern California classmate and Walt Disney’s son-in-law, Ron Miller. Nunis was hired to assist Van France in training new Cast Members.
Nunis eventually worked his way up to attractions supervisor and developed the standard operating procedures for all attractions. He became director of park operations in 1961 and VP of operations in 1968, and later helped develop Walt Disney World and was named executive vice president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland when the former opened.
In 1980, Nunis was named president of the Outdoor Recreation Division overseeing Walt Disney World. While serving on the Walt Disney Productions Board of Directors, he consulted on plans for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland.
Nunis remained with the company in various positions, including chairman of Walt Disney Attractions, until retiring in 1999. He was inducted as a Disney Legend in the Attractions category the same year.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Nunis’ family and friends.
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