ROY DISNEY, 79

Nephew of Walt Disney

Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney who became a powerful behind-the-scenes influence on the family business, died Wednesday in Newport Beach, Calif., of stomach cancer.

His father, Roy O. Disney, and uncle, Walt, founded The Walt Disney Co. in the 1920s. Walt Disney was the company's creative genius but Roy Disney's father played a vital role as head of its financial side.

The younger Disney, born in 1930, worked for the company as a writer and producer. But his most important influence was as a Disney shareholder who led two investor revolts.

Associated Press