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Viva Vickrey: Family, friends remember their Vegas guy

This week’s column celebrating the life of the late casino man Vic Vickrey continues to generate responses from locals and pals of the colorful guy from across the country.

In the mega-corporate era, some folks have forgotten that casino marketing hosts had an enormous impact not only on the bottom line, but also on the way resorts were perceived. Vickrey was a most valuable player representative at the Riviera, Aladdin and dozens of other casinos from Las Vegas to Biloxi.

Casino veteran Lou Lalli writes, “… Read your article on Vic this morning and it brought back some great memories. I actually worked at the Riviera Hotel back than and had the pleasure of working with Vic. I also remember old Ed Torres quite well. Bringing up Dino's Den was also a great memory. I worked at the Riv when it was old and when it was new. The old Riv was so much better. Food and Entertainment was the best. Thanks for the memories. In closing, I also worked with Vic on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where I am currently living.”

Adds gambling veteran Mike Skelton of Coppell, Texas: “Didn't see a mention of his passing anywhere else and that's a shame. As a fellow Texan, Vic's reputation was solid gold around here. Know we can't turn back the clock, but too many of the folks from the "old days" seem to be checking out.

“Thanks for reminding the readers that Vegas was a far different place back before Harrah's, MGM, Boyd and Stations seemly owned every joint in town and remembering the people who made it so special.”

Vince from Vegas writes: “Your stories today about Vic look like they may have come out of a book he was trying to write. Have you seen the book or do you know if it will be published? I've got a couple of Vic's rough drafts and would happily let you borrow one for either your reading pleasure or perhaps to print some of the stories. I always thought Vic should separate the chapters and publish them in one of the many Las Vegas themed magazines. Each chapter was a stand alone story.”

Vic and I discussed collaborating on that book for several years, and at one point I worked on an outline and tried to get some publishers interested in it. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough blood and guts in it for their tastes. It was their loss, but I have in mind to publish a collection of stories about some of the great casino characters I’ve encountered over the years. Vic will get a chapter all to himself.

Longtime local Bill Lozan recalls: “I really enjoyed your column on Vic, it brought back a ton of memories. I was stationed at Nellis in 71-72 and the Riv was our hangout. Me and my fellow staff sgts. worked the 2nd shift and by 11:30 we would be at the Riv and the Del Monaco Bar. I had quite a few cocktails in Dinos Den and I only wish I had been there the night Frank went nuts. Man that was a great joint, as a matter of fact there was a great singer/pianist named Libby McGuire that played in Dino’s a lot, if per chance any of your contacts remember here I would love to know what she’s up to.

“Thanks for continuing to remind your readers how cool those days were! The Riv, the Del Monaco, The Vesailles showroom and I also got the chance to see Dean take over the stick one night at the craps table. Thanks again for the memory.

Then there’s this great note from Vic’s son, Tracy:

“John, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you. The way you have written about Vic is remarkable, accurate and most of all it captures what a character he really was.

“You wouldn’t believe how it made him feel when you wrote about him when he was at the Stardust. He had a lil more giddy up in his go about that. He always thought the Vegas he was a part of had passed him by. Not that day. You put him back in the limelight he so loved.

“John, he spoke of you often. He talked about the dad you are to a very special little girl. He was motivated by writing his book and your encouragement. You played a big part in that and gave him a purpose the last couple years. From the bottom of my heart I say thanks. One of the connections I had with dad was sharing your books together. We spent many conversations about the history and the stories you told. I will remember those conversations with him for some time.

“And lastly John, on the day we put Vic to rest, I read the paper outside my hotel room. Wow! What a send off! As I left my room I saw paper after paper left on the doors steps of each room. What a grand way to pay tribute to a great guy by having every door to every room on the strip that he devoted his life to, to hear one more story about his adventures from a great story teller.

“My family and I are grateful John. Thanks!”

It was my pleasure, Tracy.

In my many years writing a newspaper column, I’ve been blessed to meet some of the most amazing characters in Las Vegas history. Vic Vickrey was at the top of that long list.

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