BOBBY DAVIS
(Bobby, pictured here,left, with Jay Meyer of the "Golden Horseshoe Revue)

There are certain people in Disney's long history who are an essential part of the organization, and yet they will never get much, if any recognition outside of the workplace.

While Wally Boag, Fulton Burley and Betty Taylor were named Disney Legends for performing in Disneyland's world record show, "The Golden Horseshoe Revue," where would the show be without the musicians, dancers, and all the folks behind the scenes?

Bobby Davis was one of those heroes. For many years, Bobby was the stage manager, handling everything from turning on the microphones to shooting a gun offstage for the sound effect for one of the shows gags.

I called Bobby one time last year and the phone picked up and I heard, "Hi this is Wolfman Bobby..." and something about "suckling your toes" in the voice of Wolfman Jack. It continued while I patiently waited to leave a message, but there was no beep. Then I heard in a gruff voice, "Hello?" It was not an answering machine, it was live and it was Bobby.

In trying to learn more about Bobby I often asked people about him and I'm always met with a smile and even sometimes a snicker.

But it should be known that Bobby had tremendous respect from everybody involved in the show and when it came to his work, he was a true professional.

Below are several thoughts about Bobby from those who worked with him:

DISNEYLAND MANAGER OF ENTERTAINMENT TOM TANCREDI:

First and foremost Bobby was a good man. He was quite a character, though! So many wonderful images and memories of Bobby. He could be all blustery and yapping about this and complaining about that and in a few minutes it would be all over. And he couldn't even remember what he was all upset about! Bobby would have great stories about some of the ladies in his life. Bobby might have been diminutive in stature but certainly not in nature. He was a strong, confident man. We met some of these ladies (his dates) at various parties and events. Needless to say, most of the time these ladies were the tallest, most buxom ladies present - and there was Bobby with this lady on his arm and he was smiling like the Cheshire Cat!

Bobby was loyal. He was always right there at the Golden Horseshoe - on time, ready to work... and he did a great job. He ran a tight ship but kept things loose and that was his stage. If you were straightforward and honest with Bobby and treated him fairly, you had an ally who would do anything for you.

We will miss Bobby, but we are so thankful for the great memories that he left for us.

GOLDEN HORSESHOE DANCER LINDA MOURON:

I worked with Bobby every day for a couple years - He was always a joy at work - great energy and a great soul. In the years since I left the park, I never heard a bad word said about him.

DISNEYLAND TALENT BOOKER STAN FREESE:

Bobby Davis was a classic. He was a hard living, hard loving, artist at the sound board. He cared about his craft. He didn't care about what anybody thought about him. If he thought you care about your craft, he would do anything for you, anything. If he thought you were a jiver, you might as well find another venue for your wares. He loved the Golden Horseshoe and dedicated his life to its success. I am proud to have been his friend.

SUB FOR WALLY BOAG, DON PAYNE:

Bobby Davis was a one-of-a-kind-character who was an integral part of “The Golden Horseshoe Revue” backstage cast. He was a joy to work with and one of the most fun and interesting people I ever worked with during my days at Disneyland. He had a broad background of knowledge and experience and was always friendly and supportive. His skills as a Stage Manager and theatrical technician contributed greatly to each Horseshoe Revue performance. Bobby was an imp with a sly sense of humor.

Bobby made us laugh. Bobby was always there should anybody need anything. He had a fun, mischievous personality. The show would not have been as accomplished and effective without him. His presence made my days at the Horseshoe more pleasant and memorable, in every way. He will be sorely missed. I am terribly saddened to hear of his passing. The Golden Horseshoe Revue notables are irreplaceable… and Bobby Davis must be counted among their number.

WALLY BOAG'S SUB FOR OVER FOURTEEN YEARS, JIM ADAMS:

It's so strange to be giving eulogies and writing tributes about your old friends. It seems only yesterday that we were all laughing and working together! Anyway here goes...

Bobby Davis had some big shoes to fill when he came into the "Horseshoe". He was replacing old time favorite Ralph Adams who had been the "Golden Horseshoe" stage manager from the beginning. Bobby's personality was completely different from the relatively quiet Ralph. Bobby was an actual character! He'd start off the day grumpy, but after Fulton Burley got through with him he'd be laughing to the point of tears and pulling practical jokes on cast members... like me!

After a short time, he won everyone over with his genuinely funny personality! Sometimes he was so eccentric he was almost like a cartoon character! Soon it became impossible to think of the "Horseshoe" without thinking of Bobby. Indeed, he became like a mascot for the show. Really, a lucky charm. It did seem like the show always went better with Bobby running things backstage! He will be greatly missed!

His friend and sometimes victim... Jim Adams

TRUMPET PLAYER FOR OVER 17,000 PERFORMANCES OF THE REVUE, DALE OLSON:

Bobby Davis may well have represented the prototype individualist. Without doubt, there will be Bobby Davis stories told, and re-told for decades within the Disney subculture, embellished with each reiteration. Even the exaggerations will probably not reach the level of the original deed or occurrence. He was a friend, and I miss him.