Richard Gerth, greeter at the Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World, has died
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[Ed. note: While this may seem like an inconsequential story, anyone who had visited the Grand Floridian for many years likely met Richard at some point, and for locals who would drop into the hotel, he was legendary. Disney might be criticized for making a lot of contrived "magic," but in this case, there was a friendly human here whose kindness was bigger than Disney. =J]
Richard Gerth, longtime Walt Disney World cast member who was well-known for greeting guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort, has died, according to a Facebook page devoted to him. He was reportedly 92 years old. Gerth frequently was seen at the entrance to the hotel, dressed in a cream-colored three-piece suit and hat. He was known among Disney fans for his smile and friendly demeanor.
Read more from The Orlando Sentinel.
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I don’t consider it inconsequential at all. I’m sitting here with a tear in my eye.
Everyone at Grand loved him. He was particularly proud of his work assisting brides and their parties with their lobby and grand staircase photographs on their big day. The last time we talked he said he loved it when couples from years ago would return and introduce him to their kids. He also reckoned he might be the guy who appears in more wedding pictures than anyone else.
RIP, Richard. Thanks for being so kind to everyone. We’ll miss you.
I never met the man but my newsfeed on Facebook today was filled with pictures of him, including one of my friends who after getting engaged at the Grand, stopped for a photo with him. After the photo was taken he gave my friend Allyson a rose to celebrate her new engagement to my friend William. I have heard great stories about him over the years and I am sad that I never took the time to meet him as I am sure on more than one occasion I walked right by him as I entered the Grand Floridian. Such a shame that both he and the Mayor of Main Street passed away this year.
-Chris
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