Ray Hartzell

RAY HARTZELL Ray Walter Hartzell, 65, of Las Vegas, passed away July 23, 2010. He was born March 10, 1945, in York, S.C., and was a 40-year resident of Nevada. Ray was a "Rennaisance Man" and mastered many talents, including scuba diving, theatrical rigging, lighting, and sound and stagecraft. In his youth, he was in the U.S. Navy for six years during the Vietnam War, then became a member of the famed, "Holiday on Ice" as a skater. As a self-taught musician and performer from three generations of circus artists, he was a founding member of the "Wallace & Rogers Circus" where he played a Baldwin Cinema 11 organ, performing a sword balancing act, and various aerial stunts. He created many wedding cakes for friends and his artistic skill with stained glass are part of several Las Vegas resort hotels. His passion for everything in life leaves an indelible mark on the Entertainment Department at Circus Circus, where he devoted himself for the past 30 years until he retired May 8, 2010. His unique energy and fellowship will be greatly missed by the countless artists and colleagues under the pink and white bigtop. He was preceded in death by his father, John Hartzell; mother, Helene Hartzell; brother, John Hartzell; and his life companion, Janice Fromm. Ray is survived by his brothers, Michael and Ross Hartzell; sisters-in-law, Elsa Hartzell and Dena Hartzell; nephews, Kip, Christopher and James Hartzell, and their wives, Amy, Janette, and Megan; and grandnephew, Alexander; and grandniece, Ember. Special mention of friends, Jodi Piercey, Boyd Deay, Bill Callanan, Leon and Maria Morris; and many, many others whose kindness and love comforted Ray in his in his time of need. No services are scheduled. Donations can be made to Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.