AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Roy Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney, died Wednesday at his California home of stomach cancer. He was 79.

Roy Disney held the reins of his uncle’s company and served as chairman and as vice chairman of the board of the animation department of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2003.

According to Bob Iger, president and CEO of the company, “He was much more than a valued 56-year company veteran… Roy’s true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. Roy’s commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney’s past, present, and future.”

Disney is survived by wife, Leslie, and four children from a previous marriage, including Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney, and Susan Lord Disney. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren.

(via The Examiner)