Memories of Marc Davis
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Today has been one of the hardest for me both professionally and personally as a very special entertainment legend has passed away. He was not only a hero; he was a dearly loved friend. I’ve cried and laughed with friends on the telephone and over the Internet all afternoon and night. The sting of death has buried itself deeply in my heart and I find that I sob uncontrollably the moment my mind shifts back to his smiling face and the intense love of his wife, God bless her.

Marc Davis was a legend amongst legends, as I once wrote of him. It was my pleasure and honor to know him and love him. Bigger than life, Marc created the greatest characters of the Disney family and played a key role in the production of many of Disney’s classic theme park attractions. Magic flowed through his veins and creative whimsy was abundant in his mind and heart. He wasn’t merely a Disney Imagineer; he was the spirit of Imagineering embodied. It’s well known that Walt Disney never really complimented anyone on his or her artistry; the fact that he once described Marc Davis as a “genius” is almost completely out of character. It was accurate, however. Marc Davis was nothing short of a creative genius.

Words are completely inadequate in times like these - and I thank God that there aren’t many times like this that we have to cope with as humans throughout this life. While my heart aches for Marc and my spirit is crushed by the loss of this hero, my soul cries out for dear Alice - the most devoted wife and soul mate in the world. She fell in love with Marc at the beginning of his career and has remained his number one fan and best friend ever since. In recent years as Marc’s health began to slip, Alice’s strength and courage have been admired by all who know them and anyone who had the fortune of meeting them for a moment. Every man should be so lucky to have an “Alice” in their life. Women like her are rare - and Marc was loved by the finest gem he could have ever found.

During my last visit with Marc and Alice, I took my wife to their home in Los Angeles and we visited for just over an hour. While discussing our recent wedding, Alice grinned and said, “Marc asked if I wanted a fancy wedding ring or if I wanted to travel when we got married.” She held out her hand, displaying a plain gold band and laughed, “We’ve done a lot of traveling!” Marc giggled as well and it was just one of many special memories that I will hold dear to my heart forever.

It is important to not only celebrate the life and accomplishments of Marc Davis, but it is imperative that we continue to love and respect his wife, Alice. She too, is a Disney Legend, often clothing those creatures and characters at Disneyland that her husband created. More importantly, she took care of Marc day by day, cherishing each moment with him. The warmth in her smile when looking at him or speaking of him was, and remains radiant.

I have never heard so many of my friends weep as I have tonight as the calls have been coming in. Over the past several months, as Marc’s health has been poor, losing him has been mentioned in whispers and dismissed as something too painful to dwell on. That time has come, and it is indeed, brutal.

The details of his passing will remain private out of respect for Alice. I will say however, that Marc’s passing was swift and without prolonged discomfort or pain. Nothing however, can soften the impact that this has had on her - nor does it dull the pain of his loss amongst friends and fans everywhere. When such an incredible person leaves us, the wound is deep and the sense of loss incredible.

There was only one Marc Davis and there will never be another like him. He made flowers croon and bears sing. He sailed with us on the Spanish Main and laughed with us as we thrilled to his grim, grinning ghosts. He was the maker of princesses and the master of villains. Marc Davis wasn’t a representative of Disney; he was Disney. Beyond that, he was a world traveler and curious adventurer. He loved all things nature, from the silverback gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to his two little dogs at home. Marc Davis loved life, loved art and loved entertaining people in everything that he did. Most of all, he loved his precious Alice, and everyone knows that.

It’s time now to mourn the loss of a great friend and absolute hero. At the same time, we celebrate the life and times of Marc Davis; Imagineer, artist and husband. You’ll be honored and loved until the end of time. Have a drink with Walt when you see him; there is no need to be politically correct here. You were a master, a pirate and a gentleman. Good night, sweet man.

We love and miss you.

Rick West
9:00 P.M. January 13, 2000