July 9, 2004 + Sam McKim + (updated: 7/21/04)

Sam McKim, an artist who drew the first souvenir maps of Disneyland in 1954 and the preliminary sketches for many Disney theme park rides, has died at the age of 79. McKim was one of the first park designers who later became known as “Imagineers.” He died July 9 of heart failure at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, The Walt Disney Co. said. McKim joined Disney in 1954 and his sketches inspired the designers of attractions, shops and restaurants for the original Disneyland. He also produced sketches of all four attractions Disney built for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. His artwork contributed to the story development of several pavilions at Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida. McKim, who was born in Canada on Dec. 20, 1924, started out as a child actor and auditioned for the voice of Pinocchio in the Disney film in the 1930s. He served in the Army in World War II and then in Korea, where he earned the Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star. At Disney, he created souvenir maps for Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two sons and two grandchildren. (AP)