On April 13, former Disney executive Barton K. “Bo” Boyd passed away in his home due to heart failure. He was 68 years old.
Growing up, Boyd was a member of a prominent Laguna Beach family, and worked hard studying at Orange Coast College and UC Irvine. After college, he applied to work at Disneyland and in 1968 began as an assistant supervisor on Main Street USA. His previous employer, Pottery Shack, tried to get Boyd to come back, but Disney recognized Boyd’s potential and offered him a raise and a position to take a lead merchandising role in Walt Disney World.
The president of Disney Consumer Products, Boyd was responsible for creating more Disney merchandise than anyone else worldwide, and the company opened more than 700 Disney-themed stores under his leadership. Merchandise related to the Disney film The Lion King brought in more than $3 billion alone!
In addition to his Disney career, Boyd was also active in the community, and helped sponsor the rebuilding of the Boys & Girls Club facility in Laguna Beach. He also was a staunch supporter of Little League baseball.
Boyd retired in 2000, and is survived by his wife Vickie; former wife Teri; brothers and sisters, his children, and seven grandchildren.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held from noon to 3 p.m. April 30, and the family has requested donations in Boyd’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach in lieu of floral arrangements.
