Special Column: The West Side of the Kingdom
Page 4 of 4
So, on Tuesday, August 31st, Bob Baranick drove to Disneyland as an Imagineer for the very last time. He was very positive and according to colleagues, very cool. Knowing the Bob that I do, I cannot help but think it must have been absolutely surreal and difficult for him. It was his wish to keep his last day to a minimum of celebrating, because he told me that he simply couldn’t do a big, emotional farewell party, etc. In typical Baranick fashion, it was his desire to simply “sneak quietly out the back door.” According to other Imagineers, that is exactly what he did about halfway through the day.
I called to wish him the best of luck, realizing that it would be the last time I ever called his office (a number which I have known by heart for years). Instead of hearing his always cheerful voice on the other end answer, it came as a somewhat hesitant-sounding recording: “Hello, you’ve reached the extension of former Imagineer Bob Baranick, who is no longer with The Walt Disney Company. If you have any issues, concerns or ideas, please call…” I was too late. Hearing his voice, I couldn’t imagine having to hear Bob record the message. I can’t help but wonder how he felt recording those words. I immediately tried another number at the DDS, and spoke with someone else I know. “He’s gone!” she told me. “He’s over at HR doing his exit interview.”
We both lovingly discussed what a wonderful person Bob is, and how difficult its going to be without him. “Oh, he’ll be around,” she added. But we both knew that it will never be the same. I thanked her and hung up the phone. I sat at my desk and tried to imagine Bob sitting there, in some small office belonging to a Human Resources employee who probably had no idea of who he was or his accomplishments. Another sizable lump formed in my throat and I couldn’t help but feel that it was a very dark moment for Disneyland.
Bob Baranick did just as he intended to do - he left quickly, quietly and without fanfare. I smile at the image of him climbing into his pickup truck and heading North on the 5 Freeway toward home and the new adventures to come. Each new day will bring great things and opportunities to the former Imagineer, Bob Baranick. For the immediate moment however, it pains this Disneyland fan to no end to watch one of his true heroes take off his name tag, turn off the lights and ride off into the sunset.
-- Rick West (September 1, 1999)
Rick West is the publisher/editor-in-chief of Theme Park Adventure Magazine. Through his involvement with that he has been able to meet and interview some of the biggest names - past and present - in Walt Disney Imagineering. Rick draws on those experiences, and his experience in the theme park industry, for The West Side of the Kingdom.
Normally published the second Wednesday of each month. This month, due to the column's relation to Bob Barnick's departure, it was expanded and published early.
The opinions expressed by Rick West, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
©1999 Theme Park Adventure Magazine and LaughingPlace.com. All rights reserved.