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Don Laughlin
1931 - 2023
Don Laughlin
1931 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1931
DIED
2023
Don Laughlin Obituary
Don Laughlin was a developer, casino operator, and hotelier who built the Nevada resort town of Laughlin, named after himself and now the third largest casino destination in the state.
We invite you to share condolences for Don Laughlin in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Alanlke1 via Wikimedia Commons)
69 Entries
Dale Smith
May 16, 2024
I stayed at the R.V. park every winter for ten years I met don several times he was such a wonderful guy, always treated myself and my family with love and respect. Rest in peace, Mr. Laughlin.
Brad mueller
April 18, 2024
Don was great guy! First time I saw him was Steele county fair in Owatonna mn, ,find out he's from around here and comes back in summer,he has relatives here, Called him up one time 2003 and said I was coming to laughlin, Don said would be great to meet ya!you can stay there!, met for dinner with him at the sidewalk cafe, had a great time , caught him up on all Medford news, I remember him saying , tell everybody to come here help keep Laughlin green . He was the gambler, ya gotta know when to hold em
Darlene Novak
January 11, 2024
I remember Don always being a kind & generous man! My parents took me there often. Don was always there to greet us & he made sure we were taken care of. My first memorable moment was in 1976, I was eleven years old when he gave me a handwritten voucher for the coffee shop & the boat ride. He visited with my parents & my Uncle & Aunt often. I later worked in that same coffee shop as a waitress & my Dad was the cook. Don was family for me growing up & I was saddened to hear he had died. RIP Sir, you deserve it.
Chester Perkins
December 23, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr.Laughlin every time I came to Vegas I had to rent a car to go to Laughlin NV loved the scenery and the town will miss Mr Laughlin especially my condolences to the family GOD BLESS
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Mr Jr.
November 15, 2023
My condolences.
Marie B.
October 31, 2023
Whenever he came up to the Counter at the Pharmacy, he always was dressed to impress, and had me laughing with his latest jokes. Loved his Business venture storys. One thing is for sure. Don and Betty sure love them Grandbabies of there's. Betty would tell me this everytime she came to see me, and when the next party was at the Ranch.
Ramon Galindo
October 30, 2023
I have been going to the Riverside Casino since 1985. I saw Don Laughlin walking around the casino several times over the years, but never met. Not until last year in October did I met him. What a nice person he was. RIP Mr. Laughlin
Liz Dabler
October 30, 2023
I have been going to Don Laughlin's Riverside Casino for 40 years. I saw him quite a few times just checking on things in the casino. He was very hands on. He treated his employees and customers like family. He is a legend and he will be missed.
Liz Dabler
October 30, 2023
The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lex Laughlin
October 30, 2023
Don always told me, "someone has to make sure the sun rises".
Lex Laughlin
Ramon Galindo
October 30, 2023
Last year in October my wife and I were having dinner at the Riverview Restaurant . I looked up and saw a man in a motorized wheelchair accompanied by two women. I told my wife that´s Don Laughlin, she said no its not. Mr. Laughlin was seated at the table next to us and asked for fried chicken and corn on the cob. The waitress said we don´t have any corn on the cob, Mr. Laughlin said find some darn it. I made the remark corn on the cob would be good with this food I am eating. A few minutes later Mr. Laughlin´s girlfriend came to our take and offered us some corn on the cob. I toke one piece and asked is that Don Laughlin? She said yes and I asked can I talk to him, she said yes he loves that. My wife and I talk to him for a couple minutes and returned to our talk. I asked our waitress for the bill and she said, Don has paid for your dinner. I will never forget that act of kindness. Rest in Peace Don Laughlin.
Sandy Biddix
October 29, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jesse Gonzalez
October 29, 2023
Never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Laughlin but thank you for all the fun memories coming and now living in Laughlin for 40 years
Allen S.
October 29, 2023
I read about his mink trapping as a young man. In one of our conversations I asked him about it. He told me how many he got in one season and I was stunned. Seems he was a very good trapper in addition to his other accomplishments. When I told him that was a lot for a trapper he humbly replied "There were a lot of mink there." I still remember his words, "Have a good time!"
Anna Cassell
October 29, 2023
Thank you for making a place like Laughlin! It´s a one of a kind town and thanks to you Don it´s one of my favorites! The Riverside is my favorite casino and will miss seeing you cruising around on your scooter! That was always exciting but I´m sure you will be there in spirit! RIP Don Laughlin !! Gone but not forgotten!
Darren Quello
October 28, 2023
I started coming to Laughlin and have been a loyal customer at Riverside since 1991 when Captain and Tennille appeared at the Riverside. I've been going back many , many times since. It's my home away from Home. Rest in Peace, Don Laughlin. Thank you for making Laughlin a great town.
Frank Hampton
October 28, 2023
Flying in his helicopters over the years. He always took time to fly my friends and I almost every time we visited.
Frank Hampton
October 28, 2023
Don really liked my mother and always referred to her a a special lady. Odie and Don sent out the most beautiful bouquet of 4 roses and a beautiful orchid in the middle after her passing. The orchid was my mom and the 4 Roses were us 4 sons. Very touching
Frank Hampton
October 28, 2023
Where can I start. I remember we were chasing cattle off his ranch a big Bull made a stance and Don charged it with the helicopter and the bill ran off
Frank Hampton
October 28, 2023
My favorite memory was when my Grandmother ( Don´s Aunt Florence visited and he treated us all like royalty and had the most amazing catered dinner with the family in his penthouse in the south tower
Frank Hampton
October 28, 2023
My first memory of Don is when he had me come to the 2nd floor executive offices in the North Tower and he greeted me at the door. First thing I noticed was his amazing blue eyes. He invited me up to penthouse and we had dinner with his GF and grandkids. I was in awe of everything
Sharon Weger
October 28, 2023
Mr Don Laughlin was a legend. He made this town into what it is today. You had a dream and you made it work. God rest your soul. RIP
Jan and Brad Bristol
October 28, 2023
My husband and I have been coming to Riverside for 20 years and always saw Don on the floor or coming out from behind the black curtain for karaoke. He was a very personable and friendly guy. I will miss not seeing him next month when I visit. Rest in peace Don. Condolences to the family.
Linda A. Engberg
October 28, 2023
My first memory of him was when he walked around the casino with an ice cream. Riverside was our favorite casino when lived there. RIP Mr. Laughlin.
Julie Bloom
October 28, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Julie Bloom
Wyatt Caldwell
October 28, 2023
I met Mr. Laughlin very briefly back in April of 2017 for the first time. I am a resident of the Bullhead City area but visited his riverside resort pretty much every weekend to play pool with some friends. One day as we were playing Don was escorted out of his penthouse suite and I was able to capture a photo with him and greet him. He was a very nice man and his legacy throughout the city of laughlin will live on forever
Kathie B
October 28, 2023
Rest in Peace Don. Thank you for all you did for Laughlin and the complimentary flights from Minnesota.
MICHAEL & ROBYN OLSON
October 28, 2023
JUST THE THOUGHT THAT HE CREATED THE TOWN OF LAUGHLIN & ALL THE FUN IT CREATED FOR ALL TO ENJOY
Tamara Marotzke
October 27, 2023
My husband, Emil went goose hunting with Don in Canada. He had a great time on that trip and had some great stories from that trip. We´ve known Don since the early 80´s. Have too many stories to tell but will say that Don truly was a great man. He will be so missed in our community. RIP Don..
Ramona
October 27, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Judy Tiedtke
October 27, 2023
I met Don when I first moved to Bullhead in 1999. My x inlaws new Don and introduced me to him and that's when I got a job there.
Deborah Rosso
October 27, 2023
My first memory was back in1982 when my Dad fixed Don Laughlins Casino Electrical problem when Don hired an tried them all but no one could fix the Casino Electrical problems but my Dad did! An Don showed his gratitude telling my Dad he could stay any time he wanted free on the House. My Dad just said he was happy to help and never took Don up on his offer.
Nick Veraldi
October 27, 2023
Growing up in Laughlin as a local, I got to experience the presence of Don quite often. I would always catch him comming out of his Executive Office near the pool tables and strike up a conversation about his day! I was there so often he even started to remember me. RIP Don
Denise
October 27, 2023
Denise
October 27, 2023
Denise
October 27, 2023
I always enjoy going to Riverside. If you ever ran into Don on the floor he was always friendly. Rest in paradise Don you will be missed.
Heather Haas
October 27, 2023
Such a nice guy to talk to!
Sonja Claw
October 27, 2023
I will continue to wave at Don's statue as I turn at the light on the bridge entering into Laughlin & say, "wish me luck!" He's a legend & friend to many. He enjoyed our beautiful Hualapai Mountains.
Kelli Noble
October 27, 2023
Running into him at the buffet,movie theater, etc. And,saying hello on the casino floor! Always,polite and friendly...RIP Mr.Laughlin
Edwin Abendroth
October 27, 2023
I just met Don in passing through the halls loved your example of laid back gaming alwayd had fun at your establishment. Riverside.
Rest in peace. E. Abendroth
Kenny and Diane jones
October 27, 2023
Don was a real pioneer and trail blazer.
His legacy will live on forever.
RIP Don
Darlene Eul
October 27, 2023
Condolences to the family and friends.
My husband Paul attended Owatonna High with Don. Paul's father, Chris, operated the Modern Inn on Cedar. Don did business with him.
Don will always be remembered for his vision and hard work.
Katharine Tkachuck
October 27, 2023
So sorry to hear of Mr. Laughlin passing. I was looking forward to seeing him next month. May his family be blessed with peace and joy in celebration of his life well lived.
Cheryl Martin
October 27, 2023
I worked there for 6 + years. He hired felons and even the homeless. He valued and gave everyone another chance. Thank you
Jess& Elisa
October 27, 2023
Thank you Mr Laughlin for establishing our town of Laughlin. My husband started visiting Laughlin in the 70´s and we moved here In 2001. We love it here, we call it our hot spot. Our sincere condolences to the family and may you rest in peace Jess & Elisa Gonzalez
Kristina Michelle emerick
October 27, 2023
Never met the man but I've seen him riding in his scooter in the casino! Read his story and intrigued me! Prayers and condolences go out to the family at this difficult time
Len gamboa
October 27, 2023
Thanks Don for all the great times there with my girlfriend and pyper had tons of fun at your casino Thanks len an Denise
Frank and Peggy Caldara
October 27, 2023
Husband and I Frank and Peggy Caldara stayed at Riverside several years ago ,unfortunately we never got to meet this incredible man,but always enjoyed our stay.
Sandy biddix
October 27, 2023
Had a picture made with him on casino floor while me and my husband Kermit work there
Ofelia Mora
October 27, 2023
He & his girlfriend came to my wedding party , thank you Don I love working there for 20 years plus.
Betty Newman
October 27, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Nyckie Fitzpatrick
October 27, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bruce Henry
October 27, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Jervis
October 27, 2023
Many of us call Laughlin "our home away from home" and that's because you built an empire that has made so many of us feel welcomed there. I love Laughlin, hope to move there soon, thank you Don Laughlin for all you have done to build this little town I call home away from home. RIP in the skies above. I know you are smiling knowing that your empire has brought so many memories to so many people
Nancy Newman
October 27, 2023
I finally met him personally last year. We've been coming from Minnesota to the casino resort for over 15 years and it's been the most favorite place of all.
We Love Laughlin and surely wish we would have met him sooner.
What a wonderful place you created for all of us! Thank you Don!!
Alice Martinez
October 27, 2023
Mr. Laughlin came up to my husband and I one night while we were playing a slot machine. He was a very nice man. We normally would see him on his scooter going through the casino every now and then.
My condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Larry and Diane F.
October 26, 2023
Thanks Don, for all the great times we had at your resort, and the town of Laughlin.
Jonas Mork
October 26, 2023
Don grew up with parents in Merton Tsp, just outside Owatonna. He visited our country store in Deerfield and landed his helicopter right at the intersection, blocking what little traffic we had. He gave my mom and I a half hour ride in it. Great man. Wish I could have come out to Laughlin to see him. RIP Don.
Richard Stouts
October 25, 2023
Don and Betty Laughlin, thank you for a thousand fun dances in your two first class dance floors. The Loser's Lounge and Dance Ballroom are best.
Rocco Urso
October 25, 2023
Mr.laughlin employed me 16 yrs ago for this I'm truly thankful you kept our family together now our family is truly sorry & sends our warmest condolences for their loss
Rocco & Bobbie
Urso
Sherry Vlasak
October 25, 2023
We started going to Laughlin about 12 years ago with some friends of ours that go a few times a year. We still try to go once a year but hasn't worked out lately.
I have truly enjoyed my time in Laughlin every time we have went. I had not met Don personally but I had seen him walking around the casino floor. It is such a great thing to be the owner and just walk around and see how things are going, checking to see if your guests are having a good time. Thank you Don for such an amazing place. From another Minnesotan!
My condolences to his entire family including the employees at the casino.
James Boberg
October 25, 2023
One of my first memories of Don is having him send a "giant" meat, cheese, cracker and fruit platter to my wife and I after we had brought Lefse to him from Minnesota. If you are not familiar, lefse (pronounced Lef-Saw) is basically a tortilla made from riced potatoes, butter, cream, etc). Don was always approachable and friendly to all of his patrons. A true LEGEND. We will miss you Don. Forever in our hearts.
Bruce-Bullhead City
October 24, 2023
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Don Laughlin. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn his loss. Matt you´ve got the Riverside under control, great changes happening!
M Hernandez
October 24, 2023
Condolences to the family stay strong and believe. May you rest in peace
Chris
October 24, 2023
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Don Laughlin. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn his loss.
Alice Martinez
October 24, 2023
My condolences to his family. May he ready in peace.
Chip Bradt
October 23, 2023
Sure had alot of fun working for you
Elizabeth Bell
October 23, 2023
R.I.P. Mr.Don
Kathy Panos
October 23, 2023
I was the head of the Riversides' payroll department in the 80's. At that time only the "Pit" was on a computer system. Since we were growing I needed a larger system so as to have every department on it. I went to Mr. Laughlin and explained my situation and he agreed. I was very happy as we're the two ladies who helped me in the payroll department. I always thought it was a great idea to let his employees draw half their days wages, I had never heard of business doing that, still today haven't. It was my pleasure to work for you sir a total of fifteen years in the accounting department. You made Laughlin what it is today. May you rest in peace. Sincerely Kathy Panos.
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