Warren Nelson

Warren died at home on Sept. 23, 2004, at the age of 91. He was born in Great Falls, Mont., Jan. 19, 1913, to Bertha Meisenbach Nelson and Lawrence Nelson. After his beginnings in the gaming business during the depression in Montana, Warren came to Reno in 1936, and started a long and successful career as a creative innovator and pioneer in the Gaming business. After experience in The Palace Club, The Mapes, The Little Waldorf, and Harrah's Club, Warren became an owner-operator of the Club Cal-Neva. More significantly, in his later career, Warren was a member of the Board of Directors of Boyd Gaming and International Gaming Technology. The relationships he formed with Sam and Bill Boyd, along with all of his many other friends on these Boards were the most satisfying and sustaining relationships of his professional life. After joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, Warren met his wife, Pat Futter, and married her on Valentine's Day, 1946. Pat faithfully cared for Warren through his varying bouts with illness. Additionally, the dedication of Dr. Stephen Bajo to Warren's health is profoundly appreciated by his family. Above all else, Warren loved his fellow men. He was extravagantly generous with time, kindness, counseling, and monetary assistance to countless individuals. Warren never let his success separate him from his roots. He was an avid outdoorsman, expert fisherman, and he loved his hunting dogs and all of his ***93doggin***94 friends. Warren and his wife, Pat, gave generously to UNR, Carroll College in Helena, Mont., Old College, the Truckee Meadows Boys and Girls Club, and many scholarships to anyone in need. He lived his life by the motto, "cast thy bread upon the water and it shall return to you a thousand fold". His big personality, great one-line humor, and generosity made him a hero to all who loved him. A diminished world it will be without him in it. Warren is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Gail Nelson and son-in-law, Chuan Liu, both of Reno; his son, Greg Nelson of Taos, New Mexico; his granddaughters, Marisa, Sonja, and Nadia Liu; his cousin, Alta Haugse of Great Falls, Mont.; and his niece, Sara Nelson of Reno. A private service is being arranged through Walton's Funeral Home at Bishop Manogue High School, to which Warren and his wife, Pat, made their last charitable donation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Warren's name to Carmel of Reno or the Bishop Manogue scholarship fund.