This has to be one of the hardest weeks I have ever experienced. I would like to pay tribute to my dear Father (Raymond James Bazley) who passed away last weekend at the age of 81. He had suffered from Parkinson’s for a number of years and
it was so sad to see such a proud man deteriorate. Even in these circumstances he would have remarkable wit and humour. He was what every Dad should be, loving and supportive. According to my Mum I have his stubborn gene for which to be honest I thank him as I would never have gotten to Disney or done the other things I did/doing without that stubborn gene! He was an exceptionally clever man (unfortunately I can't claim that gene!) and loved to play chess. Although a Maths Teacher he was very creative and as a boy I marveled at his drawings. He would also come up with the most interesting of inventions. As a boy he was often the target of my caricatures (I wasn't allowed to caricature Mum). I would start with a large nose and beard.
I was so proud to show my parents around the Disney Studios whilst working there in the 90s. They saw drawings of my characters, Amphitryon, Alcmene and Demetrius on the wall in my office for Hercules. On seeing Amphitryon my Dad said "My goodness! That is me!" He was right I had subconsciously designed Amphitryon as my Father as we all draw from our life experiences when we draw. I am so happy to have immortalized my Dad in a Disney blockbuster and not only will he always be in my heart, he will be on DVD, Blueray and in 3D! I love you so much Dad and you will be sorely missed.