Phil Smith, who became an employee of Walt Disney World before it even existed has passed away at age 83, on Tuesday in Minneola, Florida due to complications of kidney disease and COPD.
Only a few years out of law school Smith as hired by Paul Helliwell of Disney’s law firm in Miami, and although not sure what Disney was actual all about he ended up helping guide the legal way for the development of the theme parks.
Smith also played a huge part in the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, this is the government body that helps Disney control building codes, planning, and emergency services. Another one of his jobs was to always keep a watchful eye over all the going ons while the parks were being built.
A former Disney Attorney who worked under Smith, Syd Jackowitz, said her boss did have a humorous side:
“The company had “a fairly harsh form letter” it would send to people who sought permission to use Disney characters. But when one man sent a huge Donald Duck figure carved from a carrot, asking if he could sell similar creations at the Magic Kingdom, Smith didn’t have the heart to send him the standard response, Jackowitz said. He decided to have Disney send a letter that “recognized how beautiful his work was and that people should see it, but unfortunately, not in the Magic Kingdom,”
In the 1990’s Smith retired, at that time his title was “senior vice president of administration and support of Walt Disney World”. Everyone seemed to enjoy being around Smith, it was pretty hard to find another speaking negatively.
As we say goodbye to one of the first permanent employees of Walt Disney World we send our condolences to his family and friends!
Photo Credit: Smith Family
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