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In memory of
1920 - 2014
Justin Clements
December 18, 2017
Sometime in the nineties, Jackie Gaughan did a kind thing for a drunk he found in the street. His kind act brightened the darkest time in my life. I have been sober for Ten years now but I will never forget the day I met Jackie Gaughan.
October 12, 2017
Jackie Gaughan's Grandfather, ... Davis, and my great grandfather, Denis Murphy, came from Ireland together. I do not know anything about Dennis/Denis's parents and hoped that Michael Sr. might know something. I talked to my great Aunt Marie Murphy Smith, when she was 93 and I visited her in Omaha, and she did not know .
[email protected]
This is the only way I have found to get a Message to Michael Gaughan Sr.
Rosie Grabow
April 3, 2014
Mrs Daly, So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My dad Bob always spoke very highly of him. You are in my prayers.
March 31, 2014
I have a great deal of respect for Jackie as well as Michael. Nevada has lost a wonderful kind and generous gentleman.
Sam & Louise Guido
Danny Darst
March 22, 2014
The Man in The town. In the early 80s I was blessed to get 5 or 6 minutes with Jackie every morning as he came in to the restaurant office to "review the numbers" with me. These weren't $$s, they were customer counts. His view of a good day was 5,000 customers. 5,000! I would revel how he would pull out a two inch wad of drink tickets and look to see who signed the back. He looked at every ticket every day and you can bet he would follow up with anyone whose name appeared too many times. Not to chastise, but to find out how the "free drink recipient" did that night at the tables. Always business all the time. And I only saw him visibly "sad" one time...when his beloved Cornhuskers lost the biggest game of the year. God bless you Jackie. You were a Good Guy. The Best!
March 20, 2014
My father, William Singleton, served as Mr. Gaughan's attorney for many years. He always spoke of him in the highest of terms and with great respect.
Peter Singleton
Carl Monico
March 19, 2014
A VERY KIND MAN WHO I WILL NEVER FORGET. MANY TIMES, PIE AND COFFEE AND A GOOD OL DAYS CHAT AT THE EL CORTZ COFFEE SHOP. THANK YOU MR.GAUGHAN. I WILL MISS YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. CARL MONICO OMAHA
Dick and Gretchen Orent
March 19, 2014
Michael and family. Altough I only met Jackie a couple of times he left me with some great memories. He left some big shoes to fill which I think you are doing a great job, as expected.
Jacqueline Mastro-Brunton
March 19, 2014
I am sincerely grateful Jackie took a chance on that young guy from Chicago who wanted to make a better life for his family. I pray for peace and comfort for the Gaughan family.
March 18, 2014
I met Jackie back in the 1980's. I remember having coffee and a ham and cheese omlet with him just about everyday. Michael I give my love to you as you are going to need it, Please look me up when you return to Mesquite as I rent a home there, And love to give you ideas on the Virgin River and Casablanca Resort.
RIP my dear best friend Jackie.
David Hunt
March 18, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the Gaughan family in your time of sorrow. My father knew Jackie back in the old days in Omaha. Jackie always took the time to say "HI" and chat a minute with us since we were from back home.
THANK YOU JACKIE
The John Yoxen Family
March 18, 2014
We offer our condolences and pray for peace and comfort for your family.
Bill Fead
March 18, 2014
If Art Storz jr. were still with us he would be very Sad to hear of Jackie Gaughan's Passing.
Submitted in Memory of Art Storz jr.
My one & only Las Vegas Trip on the step of Jackie Gaughan's Union Plaza
Sherri Wright-Harris
March 18, 2014
I remember Jackie Gaughan through my Grandmother Oletha Hodges-Wright who use to work for his mother doing housekeeping & babysitting Jackie. My first trip to Vegas I was 21 and my Grandmother & I caught a cab from our hotel (Sahara) downtown to the El Cortez. My Grandmother & I went in and she start playing slots, she told me to go to the "Sports Book" & page Jackie Gaughan. I asked her who was this person? She said just do what I told you, and when he comes tell him Oletha is here and I'm her Granddauhter. I did what she said. This Lil' man appeared in a suit with black framed glasses eating a hot dog and wiping mustard off his tie, "he said, I'm Jackie!" I said my Grandmother had me page you and to tell you she was here. "He said, who's your Grandmother Honey?" I said Oletha Wright. His face lit up and he said her name "Oletha"! Take me to her honey! I took him over to the slot machines she was playing. Jackie hugged and greeted my Grandmother with such affection and asked where we were staying and what our plans were. We were his "special guest" that night at the Union Plaza he owned at the time both casinos and asked us did we want to go to the Barbary Coast his son owned that hotel/casino. He was so nice to us and told me how my Grandma babysit him when he was a kid! I have a fond memory of him and I'm glad he lived a long life and died peacefully. He was a good man. My condolences to the entire Gaughan family.
Patrick Curran
March 18, 2014
To the Gaughan Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I can remember when Jackie would have my grandmother out from Omaha to stay for a week, I always heard that we were related some how. I did get a copy of our family lineage and it is true.
God has another angel to watch over us.
Ed/Cathy Borla
March 18, 2014
Michael: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Many fond memories of your Dad and Mom. He was a living Las Vegas Legend and she a stalwart of the Community. Both leaving us with positive and lasting energy.
Ed and Cathy Borla (Las Vegas)
Sue Garn
March 18, 2014
My condolences to the Gaughan family. My dad, Everett Garn, loved the Gaughans. He preceded Jackie in death. Perhaps they will see one another and have a wonderful visit. I'm sorry for your loss. Sue Garn
Jim Crockett
March 17, 2014
Jackie was just a tremendous guy. Every summer when I returned home from law school, Jackie always gave me a job in the Casino Cage, working with Carolyn and her crew. That job gave me a front row seat to witness how Jackie treated his employees and guests -- like family. I consider it a great privilege to have known him and to have worked for him.
T B
March 17, 2014
Jackie gave me my first job when I moved to Las Vegas at the Union Plaza Hotel. On my 21st birthday, he bought me my first "legal" cocktail. I have MANY found memories. All Jackie had to hear was you were from Omaha, and he treated you like family. RIP Jackie, you will me missed by many.
March 17, 2014
Jackie was a good friend and a great man, loved by us and many more. May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to the entire Gaughan family.
Dick and Janie Crane
Mark Reinking
March 17, 2014
My first job as a dealer in Las Vegas was at The El Cortez. I felt so welcome as almost part of the family. Thanks Jackie!
Mark Reinking/Las Vegas, NV
[email protected]
Debra Tansley
March 17, 2014
To the Gaughan Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. He will always be remembered for his great contributions to Las Vegas. RIP Mr. Gaughan.
Carole Crosby-Cornell
March 17, 2014
So sorry to hear of Jackies passing - he was a lovely gentleman. God bless him.
March 17, 2014
To the Gaughan family - Deepest sympathy to you. We will miss seeing Jackie walk through the El Cortez. He was always so friendly to everyone. He will be remembered fondly.
The Amato family.
March 17, 2014
I was saddened t hear of Jackie Gaughans passing. My Mother, Liz Csiga worked for Mr Gaughan for 30 years. He always made her feel special. I remember enjoying many meals at Roberta's in the El Cortez, compliments of Jackie. He always made our family feel special whenever he saw us. Mom is gone now, but I am sure she will be very happy to see Jackie again, and I am confident he will be walking the hallways of heaven, greeting everyone with a kind smile and a warm handshake.
Gerry Rogers
March 17, 2014
I remember Mr. Gaughan eating breakfast in the Plaza Diner. I spoke with him at the cash register and he stopped and talked with me as though we were old friends. We walked out to his dented white Blazer, parked in the hotel registration area. He shook my hand and wished me luck and thanked me for staying at the Plaza. Thank you, Jackie.
Chuck Lambooy
March 16, 2014
To the Gaughan family - my sympathy to all the children and grandchildren and also to Rosemary his wonderful sister and my dear friend for life. To Mr G's accomplishments and the memory of his life.
Sincerely - Chuck Lambooy (formerly from Omaha)
March 16, 2014
Mr Gaughan signed a beautiful autograph for me in his favorite booth at Roberta's with his executives at dinner . He with his "guys" wanted to know if dinner as good ? I said, always ! R.I.P. Mr.R.G.F.
March 16, 2014
To the Gaughan family:
Our prayers and condolences.
The Connors, Omaha
Roy Sidney Raines 2nd
March 16, 2014
As a youngster I had met mr.gaughn while playing poker at the oriigional bonanza on the Las Vegas strip now Ballys I thought then as I do now myself at 55 years man he was a cool dude as my father would say a hard man to read but very kind my family's deepest regards to having the opportunity to know him. His memory belongs to all native las vegans.
Lynda Angora
March 16, 2014
Mr. Gaughan you will be missed. Always good to see you at the El Cortez and truly a compliment that you remembered my name. You gave me my first job and when I left to go to the "strip" you called my boss at the Castaways and told him if I didn't make my "90 days" you wanted me back! What an honor. Thank you for launching my career. You didn't set the bar for all that was great in Las Vegas, you invented it and no one could fill your shoes. Rest easy now.
Bill Fead
March 16, 2014
Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
March 16, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 16, 2014
I would like to add my prayers for Jackie.I have had some business dealing with jackie and I had the up most respect for him. He was very personable and Las Vegas will be less of a great city without him.
Carl Jennings
March 16, 2014
Gaughan Family, Friends,
My family and I wish you all the very best at this sad time. Jackie was such a nice person. He even sent a card and flowers to my Mom's funeral many years ago, when her life was cut short. Jackie was friends with several of my uncles, all had nothing but good things to say about him and business with him.
If we only had more like Jackie today. Good people.
Gods Speed,
Carl Jennings
PEONY PARK 391-6253
Paul King
March 16, 2014
As one of the countless people who had their careers launched in the casino business by Jackie Gaughan, I'd like to say thanks to Jackie for offering me my first job in a casino at the Las Vegas Club.It was fifty two years ago and as we crossed paths from time to time we always spoke of those early days with reverence.
Farewell to a good man!
Paul L King
Paul Fennig
March 16, 2014
Condolences to the Gaughan family. Jackie always took care of all his guests as well as his employees. My mother worked for Jackie at the El Cortez before becoming the executive secretary to his son Michael. Every time I would see Jackie it was a pleasure to speak with him, a true old school Las Vegas pioneer with great respect to everyone that knew him. He will truly be missed
Juddi Lin
March 15, 2014
Thoughts and condolences to the Gaughan family as well as extended family. My parents have been going to the El Cortez since I was in my moms womb. After I was born and old enough to play in the arcade I spent most of my after school time in the arcade of the El Cortez. I remember when I was 8 years old playing in the arcade and Mr. Gaughan would always give me a $10 roll of quarters to play in the arcade and he even bought me ice cream a few times. I'm 31 now.. As the years go by even till I was 13 he would do the same. My mom later started to work at the Roberta's cafe which turned in to careful kitty's many years later as a busperson for over a decade. Once I was 21 I got a part time job at the El Cortez as a valet attendant. I would pull Mr. Epsteins vehicle and he would take Mr. Gaughan to run errands. Mr. Gaughan is Mr. Las Vegas. His legacy will live on. RIP Jackie! You will be missed by many!
Juddi Lin
March 15, 2014
Thoughts and condolences to the Gaughan family as well as extended family. My parents have been going to the El Cortez since I was in my moms womb. After I was born and old enough to play in the arcade I spent most of my after school time in the arcade of the El Cortez. I remember when I was 8 years old playing in the arcade and Mr. Gaughan would always give me a $10 roll of quarters to play in the arcade and he even bought me ice cream a few times. As the years go by even till I was 13 he would do the same. My mom later started to work at the Roberta's cafe which turned in to careful kitty's many years later as a busperson for over a decade. Once I was 21 I got a part time job at the El Cortez as a valet attendant. I would pull Mr. Epsteins vehicle and he would take Mr. Gaughan to run errands. Mr. Gaughan is Mr. Las Vegas. His legacy will live on. RIP Jackie! You will be missed by many!
Danielle Valenza
March 15, 2014
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jackie. My prayers and thoughts are with Gaughan and Abrams family. Danielle Valenza
Rebecca
March 15, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaughan Family. Jackie was one of the "Best of Las Vegas". His generosity and wisdom will be missed by all. I'm truly grateful that I was touched by his wisdom during my 27 years in Las Vegas and the life he shared with so many.
Bobby Fechser
March 15, 2014
Yes a very accurate statement ...last living "founding father"....a true Vegas Original..Very Lucky to have known such a Man since I was a little kid...He made a lot of people have very good lives....Legacy Will continue with Son Michael ..The New Era begins!!!! RIP Mr Gaughan
Richard W. Wert
March 15, 2014
Prayers and condolences to the extended Gaughan family. Thank you for sharing him with us.
God will look with favor on his innate goodness. While I never met him, he symbolizes the best of Las Vegas and the best of humankind, even in his human imperfection.
Jack Budde
March 15, 2014
My father and I worked for Mr. Gaughan for more than 40 years combined. I learned so much from watching Mr. Gaughan first hand. Always a humble, caring and kind gentlemen. What a pleasure to know and work for such a wonderful man.
Steve
March 15, 2014
To the Gaughan,
I met your father back in the early 80s when we moved to vegas. I enjoyed talking with him, Jackie was full of knowledge and great stories from the old days. When he seen me he would always stop me and sit and talk for what seemed like hours. It was always a pleasure to speak with him and hear what was on his mind. he would always quiz me about gaming and where I was in my career. Thanks for all the memorable talks we had Mr.Gaughan. My father would also tell me stories of times you fellas had together and some of the same associates you both knew. Your boy jackie Jr. was quite a characterand one of my players that i hosted in the local casinos. Jackie Jr was as comical as you were in his own way. rest in peace. prayers to you and your entire family
Mary Lynn
March 14, 2014
I saw a big American flag flying at half mast today in Las Vegas, and knew it had to be for Jackie Gaughan, the godfather of slots, and inventor of the fun book. I will attend the services, and drop some in the slots at the El Cortez in memory of a true Vegas pioneer who lived among his people.
Jim & Andrea Curran
March 14, 2014
Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Cal & Shirley Withers
March 14, 2014
We were at the Flame Steakhouse last year with friends when Mr. Gaughan came by our table and thanked us for coming. He didn't realize what an honor it was for us that he stopped to visit. Hospitality like that isn't seen that often anymore, but it is the norm at The El Cortez and we always tell friends that it is our favorite place in Vegas because it seems that everybody knows our name and treats us special, even though we're just regular tourists. We will miss seeing Mr. Gaughan in the casino and coffee shop.
Kathryn Seligman
March 14, 2014
Thanks Jackie for 13 great years at The El Cortez!!Thank you for making me the first employee you rehired after I had left you,Your generosity and kindness will not be forgotten even though you did yell at me when I was 7 months pregnant for not saying "The El Cortez would like to buy you a drink". Sleep in heaven Jackie
Legacy Remembers
Posted events
March 12, 2014
Mar
16
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Palm Downtown Mortuary & Cemetery1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Mar
17
11:00 a.m.
St. Viator's Church
2461 E. Flamingo Road, NV 89101
Legacy Remembers
Posted an obituary
March 12, 2014
Jackie Gaughan Obituary
JACKIE GAUGHAN John Davis Gaughan was born Oct. 24, 1920 in Omaha, Neb., and passed away quietly in his sleep March 12, 2014, at the age of 93. He was the second child and only son of Kitty and Michael Gaughan. He graduated Creighton Prep in... Read Jackie Gaughan's Obituary
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