News Sad News: Richard Gerth, the Grand Floridian greeter, has passed away...

[ryguy]

Aren't we all here for the experience?

 

[mouse_luv]

I'm so saddened to hear that he's gone.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Aren't we all here for the experience?

...if you’re wise enough to open your eyes (and the Brain they are attached to) and see it

 

[Horizons78]

Sad news, but what a life to have brought happiness to so many.

May we all be so lucky.

Thank you Richard.

 

[Nemo14]

I had a dream last night that they named a new hotel after him.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I had a dream last night that they named a new hotel after him.

...well that was certainly a dream

 

[Minthorne]

I saw him at dapper days just last month with I believe his granddaughter or great grand daughter. Sad to hear this - but glad he had such a full life!

 

[ItlngrlBella]

I read online that he was also a WW2 Vet and was one of the servicemen who stormed the beaches of Normandy. When asked about it all he said was “We did what we were asked to do.”

This was posted on a FB page today - very sweet:

 

[brb1006]

I read online that he was also a WW2 Vet and was one of the servicemen who stormed the beaches of Normandy. When asked about it all he said was “We did what we were asked to do.”

This was posted on a FB page today - very sweet:

View attachment 288622

That picture was also drawn by Jason Zucker.

 

[brb1006]

Still having a tough time finding the video, but I think he's seen in this video briefly around the 18 second mark of this video for Port Orleans Resort.

He's also seen briefly in this video around the 30 minute mark.

 

[Zipadeelady]

.

 

[mrerk]

So I worked with Mr. Gerth for a brief period and he was a great man. And I get that it’s new and he wasn’t your “average” faceless name tag.

But @MansionButler84 is right.

Windows on Main Street are for pioneers and contributors that were large pieces of the puzzle.

And while Mr. Gerth will be missed by many...he was not the only one to have a special place that will never be memorialized. There are others...I mentioned earlier and can attest that Stan the Man, wilderness lodge ranger, was a master at making people smile...just watching him interact was a show. I believe he is gone now as well and won’t be memorialized.

There are many more.

I would be fine if they did a tribute...where do I donate?

But Mr. Gerth was there for the experience...it was a two way street. He would be the first to tell you that no plaque is needed. As most of our wise elders would. The reward for him - I have no doubt - was the time...

Typical of the greatest generation. They literally saved the free world! Most of them would barely speak of it, let alone seek recognition for it. RIP Richard

 

[jangirl]

He was there in April.
View attachment 288473

Arneil, celebrated 30 years as CM in 2017

 

[Rescue Ranger]

We'll greatly miss Richard. It was always a highlight and special moment to visit with him during every visit. His presence will always be felt walking through the entrance of Grand Floridian.

 

[JoeCamel]

I think a fitting memoriam would be a small portrait inside the doors. There is the perfect blank wall there.

 

[JohnD]

I had a dream last night that they named a new hotel after him.

At the very least, name the lobby after him.

 

[msg7]

I think a fitting memoriam would be a small portrait inside the doors. There is the perfect blank wall there.

Never thought about this but this would be perfect. An oil painting.. It would even play into the theme of the resort...

 

[noodles]

Disney should give a yearly award, named after Mr. Gerth, to a resort CM that makes the magic happen in a big way.

 

[peter11435]

Disney should give a yearly award, named after Mr. Gerth, to a resort CM that makes the magic happen in a big way.

They already have such an award. It’s named after Walt Disney.

 

[peter11435]

I think a fitting memoriam would be a small portrait inside the doors. There is the perfect blank wall there.

I think this would be fitting and appropriate if done correctly.