According to Animation Magazine, artist and director Robert “Bob” Walker has passed away at the age of 54. Mr. Walker passed away at his California home on April 1, 2015, of what appears to be a heart attack.

Mr. Walker started his career as a layout artist for various cartoons including The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Dennis the Menace, and The Raccoons. He later joined Disney as a layout artist working on films such as The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, and Lilo & Stitch. He eventually co-directed Disney’s Academy Award-nominated Brother Bear along with Aaron Blaise.

At the time of his demise, Mr. Walker was said to have “retired to California to spend time with his young daughter, work on his golf game and pursue more personal artistic projects.” But, IMDB notes that Mr. Walker along with Aaron Blaise were set to direct one of the untitled Disney Animation projects set for release on November 21, 2018. Whether Aaron Blaise will continue to direct that film on his own is currently unknown.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Walker and his family. Were you a fan of his and his work? Let us know in the comments below!

Edited by: Kelly Conley