Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of Ward Kimball and the LaughingPlace.com articles on him.
Originally Posted By Gracy_hm I miss him already! He was extreemlt talented and it is sad to know he has passed away.
Originally Posted By MichaelBlake I met Ward at the El Capitan Theatre once. A friend of mine (who has written extensively about animation) introduced us. Ward was very "real." By that, I mean he wasn't caught up in his being a great animator. He was interested in what I was doing in the industry and talked about my craft (film makeup). It's funny how some of the animators had a style that you could easily spot. I mean I can see some work by Marc davis and I KNOW it is his handiwork. Same with Ward. He had a distinctive style that not just jumped out at you, but really had a life of its own. I remember in the early 1970s Tom Snyder had a late night show called "Tomorrow" that aired on NBC. Once he interviewed Ward and they shot a lot of stuff at his home and showed off his train collection. As the show ended, they were running footage of Ward (in his conductor's cap) and Tom on one of those hand cars. Ward was in front as they were moving down the track and he points off in the distance, as if sighting another idea he wanted to follow. To me, that is the image I will always remember about Ward. God Bless, Ward! And thanks for the many years of artistry & entertainment.
Originally Posted By three_a_production the "nine old men" are gathering in heaven the world will be a sadder place without Ward. His contribution to animation was huge and he will be missed. -em
Originally Posted By Buzz Lite-Snack How terribly sad. Ward, Frank and Ollie have through the years become my favorites of the 9 old men and Ward's unique sense of humor and spontaneity was always so uplifting. What a wonderful and inspirational spirit he was. -buzz
Originally Posted By ArchtMig Ward was so totally unique. And he didn't seem to let it go to his head, too. He was an active participant in many of our Carolwood Pacific Historical Society events. Including our CPHS day at his Grizzly Flats Railroad. He was such a generous host that day, and the event was one of those things that will probably go down as fabled and legendary. Ward and Betty were always so gracious and patient with all of the adoration they had to put up with from all of us Disney fans at various events. I had always wanted a chance to meet him for many years, and I finally did get the opportunity to meet and chat with him on several occasions during the past few years. I will always cherish my memories of those encounters.
Originally Posted By JiminyCEsq I hope that someone can find a way to share our comments with the Kimball family. I had the privilege of attending that wonderful day at CPHS, riding Ward's train, "working" at the station house near his "barn". I treasure my memento of spending a few moments talking with him - certainly a unique man who broke the mold. I wondered what his neighbors thought about the steam engine going up to the street and back filled with dozens of delighted children of all ages! I also had the chance to visit with Ward and Marc Davis one lovely Saturday morning at the Disneyland Gallery - back when they had real events where you could breakfast with the "old men". Upon asking Ward if I could photograph him with my WDCC Jiminy Cricket, he promptly clenched it in his teeth, eye to eye with his most famous creation. I think it was the same day, or soon thereafter, that Ward appeared in a parade down Main Street USA to the Opera House waving a giant Mickey hand on a stick - commenting later to the crowd that he wished Mickey had bendable fingers - !! And of course the day they rededicated the train at the station, when he and Ollie and many others led us on a ride around the Park we all loved. I must thank Michael Broggie and the CPHS for helping make those moments possible, but especially to Ward for participating. For most of us, our lives are remembered for a short while by those who knew us; Ward may not have a household name, but children and those with imagination will delight at his creations as long as we walk the earth. Thank you Ward for helping to bring magic to life, and for being a part of making dreams come true for those who wish upon a star.
Originally Posted By Pullman Ward's genuis will be missed. To me, his contribution to railway preservation is outstanding. He was one of, if not the first individual to privately collect, restore and operate full size railway equipment. These pieces recreated a period in western railroad history. Thanks to Ward and Betty, they are saved to be enjoyed by future generations. I had the pleasure of meeting Ward at two Association of Railway Museum conventions sponsored by the Orange Empire Railway Museum. His enthusiasm and talent will be an inspiration for railway preservation for many years to come. Highball the pickup, Ward!
Originally Posted By Disney Art I've only seen Ward twice in my life. Once a the "Pirates" event in Disneyland back in May of 2000. And the other was at the AMPAS (the folks who give out the Oscars). Ironicaly, the event at AMPAS was tribute to Marc Davis after his passing. I have only seen the man twice, but his work will always be with us. God take you well, Ward Kimball, you will be missed.
Originally Posted By smeeeko I never got to talk to Ward Kimball personally but I know he has touched my life personally since I was a little girl and saw my first Disney film. He was so much more than a single human could possibly hope to be in one lifetime and my husband & I were very saddened to hear of his passing. Pamela
Originally Posted By Sir_Clinksalot Truly an original...a great talent. Thanks for the little article...hopefully it will help others to see and look further into his genius...
Originally Posted By Gurrini Yep, Ward will always be my favorite "Zany". I was sent over to his home in 1953 (long before I hired on at the Studio) to drive his 1916 American LaFrance fire engine in a parade. He introduces me to his family's stuffed lion, Stanley (who wears antlers so he can be trimmed with lights at Christmas time) then wants to show me a special toy. We go into this room, way more messy than mine as a kid, piled about three foot deep up the walls. He reaches in and there it is......amazing filing system. We get on the fire engine. He says to start it up, go fill the leaky radiator at the gas station, he'll follow in his Maxwell to the parade. I never had the courage to tell him I didn't know how to drive a 1916 fire engine until a few years ago. His friend had sent me there as a joke on Ward......that I was a professional fire engine driver. I was in a spot when Ward was not going to show me how to even start it. He just laughed.....said we had lots of fun at the parade anyway. When I was designing the Disneyland Fire Engine in 1958, Ward came to my desk and showed me exactly what a good fire engine should look like. Then he tells me more Werner Von Braun wild tales........Oh man Ward, I miss you.
Originally Posted By FaMulan Another Great Light has dimmed. Ward Kimball, rest in peace, you have entertained generations with your wonderful work.
Originally Posted By JimG Ward was one of Walt's most significant and talented disciples. His contributions to the Disney mythos are invaluable and will indeed endure through the ages. Only two of the great "Nine" remain: Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. I wish them well and hope they can be with us for a long time yet.
Originally Posted By fabdisbabe Ward had little patience with those who would fawn over him. He, like Fred Astaire, just made it all look so easy and had fun doing it. So, now, he and Walt are trying to convince St. Peter that heaven really needs a good train, for those of you who believe that. For myself, I think he's riding the rails somewhere. Fab
Originally Posted By MouseBear Salutations All, Wow what great memories! It has been a joy to read this topic, and the posts are a tribute to Ward Kimball's life. I would just like to add that Mr. Kimball is a person who changed history. His "Man in Space" series is what inspired the U.S. space program. Rest in Peace Ward Kimball, you will be missed. Lee
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 I guess it's true when they say celebrities die in three's. First director John Frankenheimer, then actor Rod Steiger dies and of course good old Ward Kimball. We can thank all these gentleman for some great memories.
Originally Posted By dixielandings Ward will be missed by all of us, A truly great legend .Disney wouldnt be what it is today if it wasnt for Ward and the other 8 old men.
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 You know what else saddens me about Kimball's passing? Now TCM and AMC will probably be running a retrospective on the careers of John Frankenheimer and Rod Steiger. A and E will have a biography on both men also. But will the Disney Channel have a retrospective on Ward's work? Sadly no, they'll still continue to feed us the same Zoog Disney garbage that fills up that station. I hope Disney can come to their senses and one day honor this man. This is why a Vault Disney channel is necessary. They could show Kimball's work. I would love to see a Biography style show on past Disney star's and artists. But somehow I don't see this happening. Sigh....
Originally Posted By brotherdave Thanks for the memories, Ward. I never met or knew you, but many of your creations have touched me over the years. The world was a better place with you in it, and you helped it smile, if even just a little. It's comforting to know that your most famous creation, Jiminy, will be helping the world to smile for many years to come even though you are no longer here with us. In a way, though, you have reached immortality with Jiminy and all your other creations. Say "Hi" to Walt for us! And, thanks again!
