Beloved Disneyland Candymaker Remembered By Castmembers

ANAHEIM, CA — You may have seen him when you passed by the window, stopped to watch him work his amazing confections, or enjoyed one of his fantastic creations while strolling down Main Street to Sleeping Beauty's Castle. After all, Disneyland Candymaker Rob McHargue was a beloved employee of the Disneyland Resort for over 43 years.

Robert Earl McHargue, 63, was born on October 3, 1954, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He passed away December 2, 2017. A resident of Stanton, California, at the time of his passing, his funeral Saturday, December 16 at 11 a.m., at Garden Grove Church of the Nazarene.

"Rob was a cast member and candy maker at the Disneyland Resort for 43 and a half years beginning on May 4th, 1974," a spokesperson for the Disneyland Resort said. "In January 2017 Rob received Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor cast members, crew members and Imagineers can achieve at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The award recognizes cast members who consistently inspire others, go out of their way to create happiness for guests and team members, and find new ways to deliver Disney magic."

McHargue was nominated for that honor by his peers at Disneyland resort and selected by leaders and peers. He received a signature name tag, allowing him to be recognized as a Legacy Award recipient.

Though his confectionery skills were legendary, it was the time he spent as a volunteer that he was most proud of, according to his family. McHargue volunteered much of his time and energy to Anaheim District Nazarene Kids Camp, the Nazarene Anaheim District Advisory Board and the Board of Directors at the Garden Grove Nazarene Church.

“I always knew Rob was special because of how he treated others,” said candy production manager, Kelley Oxley-Halbreich. “Our candy production cast looked to Rob for history and heritage as well as technical candy-making skills. His endearing laugh and infectious smile will be missed by guests and cast alike.”

Photo of Candymaker Robert McHargue, courtesy Disneyland Resort