Ollie Johnston Jr. Dies

Oliver Martin "Ollie" Johnston Jr., the last living member of the celebrated "Nine Old Men" of Disney animation whose work set the standard by which all character animation is judged and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, has died. He was 95.

Johnston died Monday afternoon of natural causes at a long-term care facility in Sequim, Wash., according to a press release from Howard E. Green, vice president of studio communications at the Walt Disney Studios.

Although he made noteworthy contributions to short cartoons including "Pluto's Judgment Day" (1935), "Mickey's Rival" (1936) and "Reason and Emotion" (1943), Johnston's fame rested on his work on the Disney features, beginning with his animation of the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. He helped to create such celebrated characters as Bambi and Thumper in "Bambi," the Three Good Fairies in "Sleeping Beauty" (1959), Pongo and Perdita in "101 Dalmatians" (1961); and Mowgli and Baloo in "The Jungle Book."

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Johnston is survived by his two sons: Ken Johnston and his wife Carolyn; and Rick Johnston and his wife Teya. The funeral will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to CalArts, the World Wildlife Fund or National Resources Defense Council.

The Disney Studio is planning a life celebration with details to be announced.

Rest On Peace, Ollie.

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