Longtime Walt Disney World Executive Bill Warren Has Passed Away
Longtime Walt Disney World executive Bill Warren has passed away. He was 68.
Warren initially became vice president of public affairs at Walt Disney World in 1995 before he was eventually promoted to vice president of government in relations in 2008.
Later, he would be tapped by Disney to be the district administrator of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The former Central Florida special district was tasked with governing the land that makes up Walt Disney World.
“He had a long career, and he was really blessed because he loved every aspect of it,” said Lisa Warren, his wife of 36 years.
Representing Disney and Reedy Creek
Throughout his career, Warren was tasked with representing both Disney and Reedy Creek to the public.
“When any reporter ever called him, he gave them the straight and narrow. And if he couldn’t say something, he always figured out a way to tell them they were on the right track,” Lisa Warren said.
Looking back at his time with Disney in 2011, Warren told the Orlando Sentinel that the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998 was the highlight.
“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with the animal programs team as the park was built,” he said. “Their passion inspired the company to engage in a wide range of scientific and charitable projects on behalf of endangered animals around the globe.”
Warren Was Diagnosed With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Tragically, Warren was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s several years ago.
“When Bill found out, he wanted to do everything he could. Obviously for himself, but for [those] coming behind him, too,” Lisa Warren recalled.
“Anyone facing this disease needs to just learn as much about it as they can. And find every opportunity to still enjoy life. We definitely did that for as long as we could.”
Warren is survived by his wife, two sons, and a grandson. A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park on April 15 at 10:30 a.m.
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