The Passing Of a Giant Pause a moment to acknowledge a legend who has just left us. JOE GRANT died Friday afternoon May 6th. Joe Grant (born 1908) was a story artist, writer and character designer who contributed to every Disney film from THREE LITTLE PIGS (1934), to the INCREDIBLES (2004). Joe was a major contributor to DUMBO, FANTASIA, SNOW WHITE and had a cocker spaniel named LADY from which LADY & The TRAMP derived.

He retired from Walt Disney in 1949 to start his own graphic design firm. He returned to Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1992 to resume work on story. He contributed his expertise to ALADDIN, POCAHONTAS, TOY STORY I & II and FANTASIA 2000. He named the film MONSTERS INC, which before had been called SCAREY MONSTERS. Joe possessed the gentle humor that was quintessentially Disney,- simple, visual and witty without becoming maudlin.

Living and working to just short of his 97th birthday, he had amazing clarity and health. He was what Frederick Back referred to as "one of God`s athletes." Joe died the death all artists would desire. At his drawing board, pencil in hand. Plans for a memorial will be forthcoming.

Tom Sito  ¶ 4:51 PM