Will Vinton Dies, Was Founding Father Of Portland Animation

PORTLAND, OR – Will Vinton, the godfather of Portland animation who helped create the California Raisins and the film studio that became Laika, has died. He was 70-years-old.

His family announced his death Thursday afternoon on his Facebook page.

They said that he lost a 12-year battle to multiple myeloma. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

"For the vast majority of that time he continued forward in his life with strength, positivity, and humor, enjoying tropical get-aways, shepherding new creative ventures, and caring for his two sons, daughter and wife," they wrote.

"Will was the strongest man we have ever known, both in his work ethic and his mental resolve."

They said that a celebration of his life will take place at No Vacancy Lounge from 3:00 on Sunday October 21st.

Vinton was born in McMinnville in 1947.

In a decades-long career, he won an Oscar, several Emmys, and Clio Awards, which honor work in the advertising world. Some of his commercial work were centered on the Claymation process and it was those characters – the California Raisins, the M&Ms, and the Dominos Pizza Noid that cemented his presence in the collective creative consciousness.

Several of his animated shorts were nominated for Oscars. He won in 1975 for his film, Closed Mondays.

He created Will Vinton Studios, which would grow into Laika.

It was while running his eponymous studio that he hired a young animator, Travis Knight.

Knight's father is Phil Knight, the founder of Nike.

Phil Knight eventually became majority owner of Will Vinton Studios and ousted Vinton, leaving his son in charge.

Laika had no comment on the passing of Vinton, according to a spokeswoman,

Vinton leaves behind three children – Billy, Jesse, and Alex.

"We grieve heavily as our dad leaves a hole in our lives that will be impossible to fill," his children wrote. "His wishes were for us to continue the projects he had started; we will try our best to do so.

"We ask that his passing be a celebration of his life and work. He wouldn’t want us to be sad or discouraged, but rather to celebrate the wonder and beauty of life in his name."

Photo via Will Vinton.