Author Neal Gabler on Fess Parker

Neal Gabler, who wrote the 2006 biography "Walt Disney: the Triumph of the American Imagination," calls Fess Parker "a pretty good embodiment of traditional American integrity, and he came with an old-fashioned success story."

Parker, who became famous for his television portrayal of Davy Crockett, died Thursday at 85.

Gabler offers an appreciation of Parker in Saturday's Calendar section. You can find Gabler's piece here.

--Keith Thursby

Photo: Fess Parker as Davy Crockett. Credit: Disney