Paul Spence

PAUL SPENCE Paul James Spence passed away Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born Jan. 15, 1940, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to Violet Rose and Alex Spence, Paul became a naturalized citizen in 1952 when he came to the U.S. as a young man. Paul started his thriving long career in the hospitality industry initially working at the Windsor House in Cambridge, Mass., and then later for the Del Webb Corporation in Scottsdale, Ariz. Paul later moved to Lake Tahoe, Calif., and then finally, to Las Vegas where he spent the majority of his career which he loved dearly. Paul rose from the ranks of hotel management to corporate levels in sales and marketing, which was his first love and specialty. He developed the original sales plans for the Del Webb Corporation to enter into the international hotel field in Taiwan, Singapore and Kuala Lampur. Later, he joined the Del Webb World Travel Company as director of sales and remained with them until its closure. Hawaii was his next adventure where he opened the Kuilima Hotel for Del Webb and developed a lifelong love of the Islands. He later moved into sales for other major Las Vegas hotels, such as the Desert Inn where he was closer to the tranquility and friendly atmosphere of golf. Golf was one of Paul's passions and he was exceptional as a host for the multitudes of golfers, meeting planners and travel planners who had the chance to experience the privileges of our city. In his most recent years, Paul became part of the Primm Resort sales and marketing team, remaining loyal and dedicated even through the recent transition from MGM Mirage to the new ownership of Terrible Herbst's investor group. He found the properties and teams in place to be some of the finest people he had worked for and with, and enjoyed this phase of his business life immensely. Paul was a tremendous friend to all, seldom knew or met a stranger and endeared himself to those shy enough to need a friend or introduction to someone in the hospitality industry. As his kids joined the military, Paul was a proud supporter of all U.S. service members; taking care of all military personnel that crossed his path. A proud and dedicated father, neighbor, great friend, he is survived by his loving wife, Ramona L. Spence; daughters, Mary Ann Spence and CPT Calina M. Snyder; and his son, SSG Michael D. Spence. A memorial service has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at Davis Funeral Home, 6200 S. Eastern Ave. (on the corner of Eastern and Patrick). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Salvation Army in Paul's name. As the saying goes, "and if you play golf, you will always be my friend" by Harvey Penick, so did Paul, live his life.