Disney Legend Jack Lindquist Passes Away at 89

Early this morning Disney Legend and the first person to hold the title of Disneyland president Jack Lindquist passed away. He was 89.

As the first advertising manager of Disneyland, Lindquist played a huge role in the park’s history. From marketing attractions as “E tickets” to launching the Disney Ambassador program, he was not only involved in the growth of Walt’s original park but helped with marketing and entertainment ideas subsequent resorts opened by the company including Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris (Euro Disney).

According to his Legends biography on D23, “In 1955, while working for a Los Angeles advertising firm, Jack acted as a consultant to one of Disneyland’s original corporate participants. During a meeting at the Park prior to its opening, Jack ‘fell in love with the place.’ One month later, he was working there.” After years of working in various advertising roles for the company, Lindquist became the president of Disneyland in 1990.

Among his many accomplishments were during his 38 years with the company were Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Club, Disney Dollars, the Disneyland Pigskin Classic, and Grad Nites. He was also a champion for expanding Disneyland and the development of a second theme park for Disneyland Resort.

Lindquist retired from the Walt Disney Company on November 18, 1993 — Mickey Mouse’s 65th birthday. In addition to being a named a Disney Legend, Lindquist was also honored with a window on Main Street. His likeness can also be spotted on a pumpkin in Mickey’s Toontown.

UPDATE: Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, has released a statement on Lindquist’s passing:

“Jack Lindquist was a Disney original in every sense. He started his career as Disneyland’s first advertising manager, and later served as the park’s first president, a role he always referred to as ‘the best job in the world.’ He made sure Disneyland was the Happiest Place on Earth for each guest who walked through the gates, setting the standard for every leader that followed. Those of us who had the good fortune to know Jack will always remember the kindness, humility and dedication that made him such an important part of this company and a true Disney Legend.”