Greg Letourneau

Greg Letourneau, died suddenly at his home in Las Vegas on April1st following surgery and a brief hospitalization. He was the Executive Technical Director of Entertainment at the MGM. He was born Dec. 13, 1957 in Duluth. Greg started his illustrious career in entertainment as a parking lot attendant at the Duluth Arena where Ice Capades rehearsed and built their show over a six week period each year. Greg got to know members of the company and told the ice show management that he would do any type of work, just to be a part of the show. The only opening was for a truck driver, so Greg went to truck driving school and was hired to drive the show's props, scenery, lighting and costumes from city to city, his career in entertainment had begun. Always the hardest worker, he quickly rose through the ranks in Ice Capades to Assistant Lighting Director, Audio Supervisor, Assistant Manager and finally Company Manager. During his 15 years with Ice Capades, Greg assisted in the operations of three touring ice show units, supervised a special three month five city tour of China, an engagement in Kuwait, and the Torvill & Dean with The Russian Ice Stars 16 week tour of North America. With the Harlem Globetrotters, a sister company of the Ice Capades, Greg was road manager of foreign tours that included Japan, Australia, multiple tours of Central and South America, and a 16 week tour of North America. In 1993, Greg moved to Las Vegas where his sister and parents lived. He then began his career at the MGM Hotel where he was still employed at the time of his death. Greg endured many serious health problems while working at the MGM and he treasured his job and the many friends that he had there. As always, Greg's hard work paid off and he quickly established himself as a player in the entertainment department of the MGM. He played a key role in the development of Studio 54, the launching of the EFX production as well as K the current Cirque du Soleil production at MGM Grand. His role developed when he became involved with MGM Grand Development in which one of his biggest accomplishments was helping to establish the MGM Grand Detroit along with many other projects within the MGM MIRAGE sister properties. Greg thrived on his work and was proud to be a part of the MGM. Greg is preceded in death by his mother, Donna. He is survived by his direct family, his father, Phil and sister, Jean of Las Vegas; brothers, Steve and Terry of Duluth; nephews, Phil and Vernon; and nieces, Brittaney and Emily and extended family. Greg's friends at the MGM and the Pub sustained him and are considered an important part of the extended family. SERVICES:11 a.m. Tuesday April 8, in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton located at 1811 Pueblo Vista Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89128. A Celebration of Greg's Life will follow the service at 'The Lakeside Center', 2620 Regatta Drive, #102, Las Vegas, NV 89128 - Tel 240-5290. In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to Child Haven, Las Vegas in Greg's memory.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.