Advocate of UNLV Bussell dies

Jerry Bussell, Nevada's former Homeland Security director and an advocate of UNLV's Educational Outreach Division, died Monday night after a brief battle with kidney cancer. He was 67.

Bussell, a native of Parsons, Tenn., fought in the Vietnam War. He was instrumental in a university program that partnered with the Department of Defense to improve the Army's methods for teaching soldiers how to deal with wartime injuries.

"He had a lifelong passion to improve the lives of soldiers," said Pat Lundvall, his wife of 28 years. "He didn't care what it was, he wanted to make the soldiers have a better go of it."

Bussell's death on Monday was 28 years to the day from when the couple met in Lincoln, Neb. He was attending a military conference. She was a master's student finishing up her degree. Their chemistry was instant, and they were engaged two months later.

"He was charming, the most charismatic man you'd ever meet," Lundvall said as her voice cracked. "When he walked into a room, he lit it up. And everybody I speak to, the one thing they say is that they remember his smile."

The retired Army colonel was appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn in November 2001, a month after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C, to be his Homeland Security adviser. He resigned in May 2004 after controversy over the bidding on a $40 million statewide emergency communications system.

He then worked for his own consulting firm with clients that contracted with the federal government before working for UNLV in 2006. Bussell, who won an American Red Cross Presidential Medal of Merit, was recognized as a Distinguished Nevadan this year.

"When you met him he absolutely had just a spirit about him, a sort of love for life," said Regent James Dean Leavitt, who nominated his close friend for the recent award. "He was just one of those rare people, when you were around him you felt better about who you were."

Leavitt added that Bussell had been planning to run for the Board of Regents in the next election.

"He just loved people," Leavitt said. "He was all about doing, and he had a really power energy. He loved UNLV so much that he thought that was the perfect way to contribute."

Sen. Harry Reid released a statement Tuesday offering his condolences:

"Thanks to Jerry's leadership, visitors to Nevada's popular tourism destinations can be confident in their travel to the Silver State. His service to Nevada Army National Guard and to the people of the Silver State will not be forgotten."