John Hench: Celebrating All the Colors of His Rainbow
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Marty Sklar prefaced his next introduction by pointing out how hard it had been to choose among John’s many admirers for the day’s program. One who had wanted to attend, but was too ill to do so was author Ray Bradbury. Bradbury had worked with Hench on a variety of concepts for futurist attractions, and had maintained a cordial friendship ever since. His tribute was delivered by Imagineer Kevin Rafferty. It included the words, “All hail John Hench, the completist. He filled his life to the fullest. Today is not an unhappy day…it is a day of triumph, because John did all he wanted to do.�?

Author Ray Bradbury in front of an early proposal for Epcot Center.

Marty Sklar then introduced another tribute on video. Toshio Kagami, the President of the Oriental Land Company, developer of the Tokyo Disneyland Resort delivered a heartfelt tribute to “John-san.�? A live interpreter translated his words, including the statement, “I promise to John-san that we will continue to do our best to develop and grow the magic of the Tokyo Disneyland Resort.�?

John Hench produced this specially commissioned work for Tokyo Disneyland’s Disney Gallery.

Stan Freberg, writer and performer, was next on the program. Marty Sklar explained in his introduction that Freberg had worked extensively with John Hench on an unfinished project for EPCOT. “Inventions and Enterprises�? would have been sponsored by General Electric. Freberg, speaking in a voice familiar to a generation who had grown up with his comedy, said, “Considering GE’s sponsorship, I suggested the pavilion be built in the shape of a giant, glowing light bulb!�? He described how vehicles would carry guests right up into the filament. He added excitedly, “Inside I had a huge theater with an audio-animatronic Edison tap dancing with an audio-animatronic Henry Ford. John told me, ‘We may have to work on that one.’�? Freberg even wrote a theme song for the show, entitled “Perseverance.�?

Freberg went on to say he was very proud of a past association with Walt Disney. (He had provided the voice of the Beaver who chews off Lady’s muzzle in “Lady and the Tramp.�? He even gave everyone a little sample of the dialogue.)

Performer Stan Freberg as he appeared in “Lady and the Tramp.�?

He said, “I thought my association with Walt would impress the staff. Then I met John Hench! He had worked with Walt for decades!�? Freberg concluded his remarks by saying, “I shall always treasure the guidance and friendship of my friend, John Hench.�?

Marty Sklar then spoke of John Hench as mentor, and introduced Imagineer Eric Jacobsen. Jacobsen said affectionately, “John wasn’t really a father figure. He was more like a great-grandfather figure.�? He pointed out that with John in the room, “All you had to do was stand back, watch, and listen.�? He related how John taught a generation of Imagineers about color, ending with the words, “That was John, designing and teaching at the same time, whether he meant to or not.�? Jacobsen then presented a video tribute from a group of Imagineers who had been mentored by John Hench: Julie Svendsen, Kim Irvine, Tim Delaney, Tori McCullough, Nancy Hickman, Joe Lansizero and Tony Baxter. As the lights came back up, Jacobsen concluded his remarks by saying, “There’s a little bit of John in all of us. In that sense, he will live forever.�?

Marty Sklar then introduced Father John Parish, a friend of John Hench. Father John began by stating, “I am a fan. An avid fan! There are books I am going to ask some of you here to sign!�? He went on to say, “I am a fan of all things Disney.�? He then told of meeting John Hench while on a cruise on the Disney Magic, and his pleasure that their chance encounter evolved into a warm friendship. He related his belief that John’s great gift was that he was a story teller, as well as a Disney fan. But not just of what was created, but of the creators, and the guests. He pointed out, “John learned that from the master [Walt Disney]. It wasn’t just talent, but that Walt loved and respected the people around him.�? Father John went on to say, “God gave the rainbow to show His love of mankind. John’s understanding of all the colors of the rainbow shows his understanding of this.�? He concluded with the following words from Robert Fulghum:

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.
That myth is more potent than history.
That dreams are more powerful than facts.
That hope always triumphs over experience.
That laughter is the only cure for grief.
And I believe that love is stronger than death.�?