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1937
2017
According to Don Spence, he was the luckiest guy in the world. He had the best parents, Harold and Dorothy Valente Spence; the most fun, fond, and best -fed famiglia; the ideal childhood (born in Detroit, on a block owned by his great-grandmother and surrounded by famiglia, Valentes, Persichinos, Vettrainos, and Primos; and later a wonderful rural life in Earlimart. CA; followed by Bakersfield, where he attended high school and college). Divorced from his first wife, Linda Miles of Bakersfield, and predeceased by his second, Shirley Oliver of Downey, he never stopped saying how beautiful and exceptional they both were and how miraculous it was they’d married him. He was proud to the rafters of his daughters by Linda, enjoyed his sons-in-law as if they were gifts picked out especially for him, and delighted in every grandchild, each one extraordinary.
After many different jobs in California, he found his niche in Las Vegas in the gaming industry, first as a slot floorman, then foreman, with his glory years as Casino Manager of the Hotel Continental and then Debbie Reynolds Casino. He loved to write and perform in commercials and promos, for Ben Stepman Dodge and for the Hotel Continental, and at every casino where he worked he was asked to emcee tournaments and events. He taught Slots and Casino Management at Clark County Community College and was honored for outstanding work. At age 79 he was working full time, graveyard shift, as a pit boss at Max, and writing reams of comedy material for a stand-up show he planned to perform Someday. Inclement weather or crowded courses could stop him from playing golf, his favorite pastime, but nothing stopped him from writing. He also loved video poker, especially at Tuscany, and every time he hit a jackpot he bought suits, at Mastroianni’s. (They had to be Italian!) He’s been called “The Best Dressed Man in Vegas.” Max employees were requested to wear Hawaiian shirts, but Don was old-school, glamorous Vegas. When he died he owned 25 suits and zero Hawaiian shirts.
He died peacefully in hospice for COPD in the Woodland Hills home of his daughter Amber, and her husband, Paul Zeidler (hey, Bubba), with his daughter Carmel and her husband, Christopher Wooley, by his side, day in and day out. He is survived as well by grandchildren Normandie, Giamaica, Zane and Quest Zeidler and Tucker Wooley, by grandson-in-law T. Steven Bullock (honorary Italian), great-granddaughter Avery Jean Zeidler-Shehab (the last kiss), and beloved cousins Pam and Don Duszynski (honorary Italian) as well as other dear cousins. He is also survived by stepson Tony McCargar and his wife, Linda, and their children Johanna (Chuck), Robyn (Mark), Kellie, and Tony (Kathryn), and grandchildren Jessica, Khaleel, Kelyn, Parker, and Sjaan; and Don’s two daughters surrendered for adoption , Connie Francis and her children Megan Straub, William Muggelberg III, and Shelby Muggelberg, and Megan’s daughter, Juniper Roberts; and Cammi Francis Quinton (Todd), and their children Steven Donovan, Harrison and Mikaila Quinton, and April Feliz, and April’s daughter, Autumn. The family thanks and blesses the compassionate and competent caregivers from VITAS.
He smoked too much, he died too soon. We miss him and we always will. But even as we cry, we smile. If he was lucky, so were we.
Don treasured the memories of the summer he spent as a counselor in a camp for disabled children. A donation in his memory to any charity that benefits disabled children would warm our hearts.
Celebration of life, for details email [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was always nice to me ..I was a change girl at the hotel continental and I will miss him very much..
Arlene Webb
December 15, 2022
Don was a great person he gave me my stat in the casino industry , first as a slot shift manager then as the slot manager at the CONTINENTAL . Don rest in peace
zane fink
Coworker
July 5, 2020
I just thought of Don last night and called the last casino he worked at to ask about him. I was a green cocktail waitress at the Hotel Continental and he was like a father figure to me. We stayed in contact for years and when I started my family and left the casino business I lost track of him. I always wanted to tell him stories of how I grew up and become a wife, mom and grandma. My thoughts of him are fond and funny. He had a zest for life and a beautiful head of grey hair! My heart is sad that I waited too long to look for him. Rest in peace Don. I will never forget you!
Deana Ciulla-Inciso
Friend
April 20, 2018
sheila Simpson
February 14, 2018
Celebration of life to be held Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Pub 365 in the Tuscany Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Please come by to talk and tell stories about our beloved Don Spence.
Amber Zeidler
Daughter
December 11, 2017
Amber Zeidler
Daughter
December 11, 2017
I was saddened to hear about Don's passing. Though it was many years ago I never forgot him. He treated me with such respect and kindness. Truly a wonderful man. I consider myself very lucky to have known him. My heartfelt condolence for your loss.
Charles Zanfino
Acquaintance
November 14, 2017
I worked with Don in the gaming industry in the 80's. He was one of the most caring people I had met and he was always dressed to the nines in his suits back then. Always the gentleman. My condolences and sincere sympathies for your loss.
Karen Fisher
October 29, 2017
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Donald. So sad to lose someone so loved and needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. - (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
S.H
October 28, 2017
Your father sounded like an amazing man, and I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Amber and her entire family. Celebrate his life!
Sandy Carey
October 27, 2017
Thank you for your wonderful portrayal of our father. He always made us feel special. You were his precious first born and I was his baby girl. He was kind, funny, loving and much loved in return.
Carmel Spence Wooley
October 27, 2017
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