Jack Lindquist in his Disneyland Office
Yesterday we learned of the passing of Disney Legend Jack Lindquist at the age of 88. Walt Disney Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger spoke for all of us when he said, “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.”
Jack Lindquist prepares water gathered around the world for the opening of ‘it’s a small world’ at Disneyland in 1966
Jack began his Disney career in 1955 when Walt Disney hired him to be the the first advertising manager at his new park. In a 38-year Disney career that ultimately led to being named the first president of Disneyland, he held multiple positions in marketing and went on to helping plan Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Jack Lindquist (right of Mickey Mouse) and fellow Disney Legends and Club 55ers on July 17, 2015
Jack was here last July 17 to mark our 60th anniversary, and we caught this great picture of him with some fellow Disney Legends and Club 55ers. He was ready with a big smile and a funny story, just like he always was.
Jack Lindquist’s Main Street Window at Disneyland City Hall
The next time you find yourself enjoying Town Square at Disneyland park and all the happy faces coming and going through the train tunnels, look up to the second story of City Hall where you’ll find a quiet tribute to a man who understood the power of the happiness made here, one of the true Disneyland originals, a “Jack of all trades – Master of Fun.”
Jack Lindquist retired from Disneyland on November 18, 1993
Comments
Wonderful tribute to this remarkable man. Thank you!
Thanks for letting us know about Mr. Lindquist’s passing. He is mentioned – always fondly – in a number of books by Disney Legends. I would have liked to have met him.
It sounds like he was a GREAT man. Never met him, but thank you for such a GREAT place to go have FUN!!!!!
What a poignant picture at the conclusion of this article. It must have been hard for Mr. Lindquist to pass through the exit gate for the final time.
He truly WAS a Disney Legend!
Thank you for telling us about him.
I love his book In service of the mouse. What a bunch of great stories about the early days of Disneyland.
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