Obituary
www.parkworld-online.com
Disney Legend and Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar has sadly passed away. Marty was instrumental in preserving Walt's spirit over many years and for more than half a century, Marty helped share the magic of Disney-themed entertainment with people around the globe.
Marty Sklar B
orn on February 4, 1934 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Marty began working for The Walt Disney Company one month before the opening of
Disneyland in July 1955. He initially worked as a writer and communications specialist for the company. He wrote scripts for various shows and presentations for Walt Disney. Marty was at times referred to as “the voice of Walt.” In 1961, Marty moved to WED Enterprises, today known
as Walt Disney Imagineering, as a part of a team assigned by Walt to develop company-sponsored attractions for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Beginning in 1974, he moved into executive roles. Marty became a key force in guiding the creative development for theme parks, shows, Disney resort hotels, and the Disney Cruise Line ships. He was the only person who both worked on and attended the grand opening of all eleven Disney parks, dedicating 54 years to the Company. In 2001, Marty was inducted as a Disney Legend.
(1934–2017)
Marty, who generously presented a number of inspiring programs at the Walt Disney Family Museum, helped preserve Walt’s spirit of imagination throughout his career. In recognition of his contributions and impact, in November 2016, the museum awarded Marty with the Diane Disney Miller Lifetime Achievement Award at its gala at the Disneyland Resort. In June 2016, Marty was appointed to the museum’s advisory committee. Once, when asked by Park World what he
considered to be Disney’s biggest single contribution to the amusement park industry, Sklar replied, “Disneyland revolutionised and elevated the outdoor entertainment industry with its family orientation, focus on quality, attractions that tell a story, and permanent staff of ‘cast members.’ Walt Disney actually created a whole new genré of experiences and adventures that made rides into attractions. The result was something brand new: a ‘theme park’ and later a complete ‘destination resort.’” Sklar is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah, son
Marty was always happy to share his wealth of knowledge and produced two books, ‘Dream it, Do it!’ and ‘One Little Spark!’.
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Howard and his wife, Katriina Koski-Sklar, grandchildren Gabriel and Hannah, daughter Leslie, and grandchildren Rachel and Jacob.
SEPTEMBER 2017
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