December 16: Ironic & Somehow Fitting

"This is really the end of an era for the Disneys, and it's ironic and somehow fitting that it should be at this time of the year ... Walt in 1966, my dad in 1971, my mother in 1984, and now Lily have all gone during the 10 days before Christmas."

Roy E. Disney spoke those words about his aunt, 98-year-old Lillian Bounds Disney, who passed away on this day in 1997. She had suffered a stroke the day before, December 15 ... the 31st anniversary of her husband Walt's passing.

Eerily Roy E. Disney later passed away on this day too ... twelve years later in 2009. Son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, Roy E. lost his battle with stomach cancer at the age of 79. A successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, he played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy.

Click HERE for more December 16 Disney history.