The nephew of Walt Disney, Roy Disney, died Wednesday morning following a year-long battle against cancer, CNN reported citing a Walt Disney Co. spokesman.

Disney died at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, California.

Disney served as a Walt Disney Co. executive for 56 years; the company his uncle Walt Disney co-founded with his father in 1923.

He was much more than a valued 56-year company veteran, Roy's true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle, Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger said in a press release.

According to reports the family plans to hold a private funeral service and cremation.

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