Special Edition of Letters to the Editor - Van France Memories
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On October 13th , at the age of 87, Van Arsdale France passed away. LaughingPlace.com saluted this Disney Legend with two articles. The first, The Life of Van France by Doobie Moseley, gives an idea of the importance Van had on the Disney Company. Among many other things, Van created the famed Disney University. The second, Life Lessons From The Professor by Rick West, is written by someone who knew Van personally and gives an idea of what he was like as a person.
We received several letters from our readers sharing their feelings and memories as well. Some of them are reprinted below:
This has come somewhat as a shock to me because I thought
that Van would be around not only for Y2K, but for Disneyland's 50th birthday as well.
I've met up with Van at many Disney-related functions in the past, and he was always ready
to greet you with that wide smile he had. As a former cast member, my thanks to the
Professor of Disney U for the schooling that he created.
-- Anon
Van was a really cool guy. I bumped into him at Disneyana
events and at Disneyland. The last time I saw him was at the Nunis window dedication. He
encouraged young Disnoids such as myself. He is going to be sorely missed.
-- KP
Thanks for the great article and tribute, Doobie! I, too
have read his book several times and feel like I knew him personally. I think he would
have been proud of the number of people he touched with his book.
-- JL
When I went to Disneyland in 1994 (or 1995) I found Van's
book "Window on Main Street." I love this book, not just because it provides an
insider's look at the beginning of Disney- land, but because of Van's humor and honesty. I
feel really lucky that I got his book when I did, since it's now out of print (what a
shame!). It was fascinating to learn how that "Disney Way" of dealing with the
public (the guests, not customers, etc.) came from one great mind. I'm sad about Van's
passing, and I sympathize with you for losing such a wonderful friend.
-- K
I first met him when [former Imagineer] Vic Greene
took me to interview for my first job at Disneyland. I met Van that day backstage. Also,
throughout the years when I would visit Disneyland from Oregon, it was always Van France
who would get us Complimentary Tickets. Van was such a shining gem in the Disney
crown....he will be missed.
-- TB
Van must have been a neat guy to know. [Rick West's]
description of him reminds me of Walt. A person who wasn't necessarily as "squeaky
clean" as their public image, but who had real love and concern for others. Disney
could use some more of these people. May Van's legacy live on.
-- Anon
I had the pleasure of buying "Window on Main
Street" several years ago at the Disneyland Hotel gift shop, and I consider it a
vital piece of Disneyland history. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it, and am
saddened by the loss of Van Arsdale France.
-- Anon
The following was posted on the newsgroup alt.disney.disneyland and is reprinted here with the permission of the author:
I was once seated around a conference table at Disneyland, listening with several others as Van discussed Cast Member training. Of course, he had the requisite cigarette going -- he smoked furiously -- as he spoke. As the ash grew longer and longer, we didn't want to interrupt him, but silently began looking around frantically for an ashtray, an empty cup, a soda can -- there were none. Finally, someone said, "Uh, Van -- do you need an ashtray?" He said, "No, I'm fine." As he continued to speak, he casually removed one of his black tasseled loafers and flicked the ash into his shoe! He continued to speak, loafer in one hand, cigarette in the other, occasionally flicking additional ashes into the shoe. When the cigarette was finally down to a stub, he took it and -- never missing a beat in his speech -- stubbed it out inside the heel portion of the shoe. He continued speaking for about 10 more minutes. Then he stood up, thanked us for listening, PUT THE SHOE BACK ON (with both the ashes and extinguished cigarette still in it!), and ambled out of the conference room. We were all so stunned that no one said a single word about Van's impromptu ashtray. It was like, "Did I REALLY see that...?"
R.I.P., Van. You will be sorely missed.
=Landon=