Three named Distinguished Nevadans

RENO - Two men who hail from Las Vegas and share a love of Nevada history have been honored as Distinguished Nevadans by the Board of Regents.

Former Nevada state Archivist Guy Rocha and Reno history writer and publisher Stanley Paher were recognized during an advanced-degree ceremony Friday at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Bill Raggio, a longtime state senator from Reno who died in February at the age of 85, was honored posthumously as a Distinguished Nevadan.

Known as Nevada's "myth-buster," Rocha developed a reputation as a stickler for accuracy during his 32-year career at the Nevada Historical Society and as archivist. He retired in 2009 as archivist.

"When you think of Nevada history, you always think of Guy," Jason Geddes, chairman of the Board of Regents, told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "Whenever there was a question on history, he was the go-to guy."

Rocha not only oversaw the state's documents, but also became the state's unofficial fact checker for news reporters, government officials and others. His research often turned up facts that didn't square with folklore.

"So much of Nevada history was really what people wanted it to be," Rocha said.

Paher is the author of 19 books, including "Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps" published in 1970. He has published more than 100 books of others through his company, Nevada Publications.

His personal collection includes 3,500 Nevada books, 13,500 Nevada photographs and 1,400 Nevada maps.

Raggio, the longest-serving state senator in Nevada history, was first elected in 1972 and retired in January 2011. He was a strong supporter of education during his 38 years in the state Senate, including 28 years as Republican caucus leader.