He didn’t just write music for films; he wrote music that found its way into people’s lives. His songs slipped into everyday moments and quietly made them special—lullabies at bedtime, sing-alongs on long car rides, the background music of growing up. Through his work, animated scenes became real feelings, reminding generations that a simple, honest melody can express what words sometimes can’t. In a loud, fast-moving world, his music stood apart—gentle, patient, and deeply human.
Those who knew him describe a rare combination of discipline and humility, brilliance without pretension. He cared little for awards and much more about the child in the audience who might feel understood for a few minutes. As tributes pour in from around the world, his legacy isn’t being counted in trophies, but in memories. His body of work may be finished, but his presence isn’t—each time his music plays, he’s there again, if only for a moment.