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

[noodles]

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

Oh... was he the old door guy?
** couldn't decide which line to use... my 2nd choice was "oh... so naming the world after him wasn't enough?"

 

[Janir]

He was a legend. I hope GF does a special garden with bench or something near his spot in Memorial. I know “no one is bigger than the show,” but he really was special.

DID YOU SEE THIS DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS STAFF?!? A special garden &/or memorial of some sort near his spot at the entrance! This REALLY needs to happen.

First met him as we were checking in my to be soon wife into the GF the day before our Wedding. Wished he was working the next day so we could have gotten some pictures with him on the wedding day. Just seeing him working and greeting people coming in and out was a treat and uplifting. The man had an 'aura' about him that exudes warmth and welcome. He defined the Disney Experience. I suspect he got as many smiles from little kids (and adults) at his post at the GF as Mickey or any character does in a park meet and greet.

 

[Janir]

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:

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That's an AWESOME picture. I hope it somehow makes it's way to his family.

 

[hockeyfran]

He was there in April.
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Awesome. Thank you. We must have just missed him due to timing. Thank you!

 

[TraderSam]

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.”

I spoke with him on two different occasions about his service. He served under Patton.

He also shared some about his personal life. He was the son of a minister and moved to Florida after his wife died. He went to casting at WDW and the rest is history. He said there was one time when he was working that Roy E Disney and his wife sat in the carriage outside the GF and greeted guests.

He shared other details and anecdotes that escape me now, but he was a true gentleman.

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

I spoke with him on two different occasions about his service. He served under Patton.

.

That alone is awesome. One of my (retired) Army Lt. Col dads mortifying moments is me loosing my mind when they were resetting my broken arm in the hospital room Patton died in.