HOUSTON (Jan. 25, 2013) — Steve Disney, a Louisville, Ky. tire dealer and former president of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), died Jan. 24 of complications following artificial heart transplant surgery.
"After a lifetime battle with post-radiation disease, Steve died of post-op complications following artificial heart transplant surgery in Houston," said Cathy Disney, Mr. Disney's wife.
"I am pleased and grateful for the care provided by the surgical, cardiac and nursing staff here at Methodist Debakey Hospital," she said. "They were able to give him this last chance at life, something only a few surgeons in the United States were qualified and willing to do.
"I appreciate all the expressions of concern that you have shown over the past few weeks, they have meant the world to me."
Mrs. Disney said she will remain in Houston for a short time before returning to Louisville to make funeral arrangements.
"We are looking forward to sharing fond memories of Steve at a memorial service some time in the future," she added.
Mr. Disney was president of the Tire Association of North America (TANA) prior to its merger with the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) that eventually led to the creation of TIA in 2002. He was elected the association's first president.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Steve's passing," said Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Disney family as they mourn the loss of such a great man and industry leader."
Mr. Disney received many accolades throughout his career, including being a recipient of TIA's Industry Leadership Award in 2003. TIA said his vision and focus on the future led to the discussions that gave life to what has become the strongest tire-related association in the world.
"It's important that we always remember the industry leaders who had the foresight to create TIA over a decade ago," said Randy Groh, TIA president.
"As the first president of the new association back in 2002, Steve set the standard for leadership and his emphasis on maintaining a consistently high level of service to the members continues to this day. We are forever indebted to him and other past-presidents who have worked so hard to make TIA the first class organization that it has become."
Mr. Disney headed Louisville-based Disney Tire Co., following in the footsteps of his father Paul Disney, who co-founded the wholesale tire dealership along with his father in 1950. In 2005 Raben Tire Co. Inc. acquired Disney Tire's assets.
He also was chairman of private brand tire distributor SURE Tire Co. from 1999-2009 and was on the advisory panel for the International Tire Exposition & Conference
Mr. Disney is survived by his wife and children Clark and Christine.