Ralph Kent Dies

In the world of Disney, artist Ralph Kent was known by some as "The Keeper of the Mouse."

The artist was one of Mickey Mouse's handlers, concerned with maintaining the wholesome image of Walt Disney's most famous creation. Kent trained other artists to draw the mouse uniformly and helped determine which merchandise would carry its image.

During a nearly 40-year career, Kent became an expert on the finer points of Disney's world, the look of the characters, their personalities and their interactions. And he was protective of their images.

"He wouldn't let out certain merchandise, things Mickey shouldn't be on," said his wife, Linda Kent. ". . . Mickey was the standard bearer of Disney; Mickey was the one that made Disney. He had to be kind of kept that way."

Kent died Monday at his home in Kissimmee, Fla., from complications of esophageal cancer. He was 68.

…

In addition to his wife, Kent is survived by two daughters, Julie Lowery of Winter Garden, Fla., and Laura Hilgenfeldt, of Ocala, Fla.; three stepsons, Scott Dobek of Haines City, Fla., Michael Dobek of Orlando, Fla., and David Gonos of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a sister, Joan Grabowski of Clarence, N.Y.; and a brother, Larry Kwiatkowski of West Seneca, N.Y.

Rest In Peace, Ralph.