Published on: December 30, 2025, 01:17h.
Updated on: December 30, 2025, 01:17h.
As the clock ticks down to welcome another year, Casino.org reflects on the significant Las Vegas personalities we bid farewell to this year. These influential individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the Las Vegas we cherish today, impacting megaresorts, tourism branding, entertainment journalism, lounge culture, and the preservation of our city’s history.
Elaine Wynn (1942–2025)
Elaine Wynn, a key player in Las Vegas history, passed away on April 14, 2025, in Los Angeles due to a brief illness at the age of 82. Born Elaine Pascal, she co-founded both Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts alongside Steve Wynn, contributing to the luxury transformation of the Strip with iconic developments like The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas, and Encore.
The dynamics of her relationship with her well-known husband were complex. They married in 1963, divorced in 1986, remarried in 1991, and divorced again in 2010, at which point she was required to vote her shares alongside his—a limitation she later contested. Following a 2015 refusal to re-nominate her to the Wynn Resorts board, she initiated a prominent proxy battle.
In 2018, a scandal involving allegations against her ex-husband published by The Wall Street Journal changed everything, rendering their voting agreement null and allowing Elaine to regain control of her shares. A settlement also restored her voting rights alongside a $25 million payout. With Steve Wynn’s resignation and subsequent divestment from the company, Elaine became its largest individual shareholder with nearly 9% ownership.
Outside the gaming industry, she emerged as a highly regarded civic leader in Nevada, serving on the Nevada State Board of Education from 2012 to 2020—twice as chair—as well as leading the UNLV Foundation. As a committed arts patron, she was a trustee of the Kennedy Center and co-chaired LACMA. In 2024, she unveiled plans for the Las Vegas Museum of Art, a legacy praised for its cultural significance.
Norm Clarke (1942–2025)
Norm Clarke, a veteran entertainment columnist in Las Vegas, whose “Vegas Confidential” column captivated readers for two decades, passed away on March 20, 2025, at 82 after a prolonged fight with prostate cancer.
Clarke joined the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 1999 following a distinguished tenure with the Associated Press. His trademark eyepatch, a result of an early accident, made him instantly recognizable. His reporting combined incisive news instincts with a personable approach that garnered trust from various sectors, from dealers to executives across the city.
His scoops included high-profile events such as Ben Affleck’s intense 2004 blackjack sessions, Britney Spears’ whirlwind 55-hour marriage in Las Vegas, and Michael Jackson’s discreet relocation to the city in 2006. Despite covering celebrity controversies, Clarke was lauded for his humility and kindness, keeping his cancer diagnosis private for nearly 20 years.
In his honor, the Smith Center established the Norm Clarke Entertainment Journalism Fund to support aspiring student journalists in the Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards.
David Siegel (1935–2025)
David A. Siegel, the founder of Westgate Resorts and a significant force in American timeshare development, passed away on April 5, 2025, at age 89. He established Westgate in 1982, growing it into a leading timeshare company with over 13,500 rooms spread across 22 resorts in the US.
In 2014, Westgate acquired the iconic Las Vegas Hotel & Casino—which started as the International Hotel and later became the Las Vegas Hilton—for an estimated $150–$170 million. This venue is historically notable for hosting Elvis Presley’s legendary residency from 1969 to 1976.
Siegel left his CEO position in 2024 but continued to serve as executive chairman and president. His later years were marked by advocacy work following the tragic overdose of his daughter Victoria in 2015. This prompted him and his wife Jackie to establish the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, leading efforts for naloxone-awareness legislation at both state and federal levels.
Cook E. Jarr (1941–2025)
Cook E. Jarr, born Anthony Pettine, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 83 due to pneumonia complications. He was a quintessential figure in Las Vegas lounge entertainment, captivating audiences with classic showmanship for over 30 years.
A native of South Philadelphia, Jarr first encountered lounge culture in Wildwood, New Jersey, naming himself after singer Tony Carr and Phillies second baseman Cookie Rojas. His act combined popular music covers with comedy and vibrant theatrics, showcased through his impressive necklace collection, striking hairstyle, and signature “woof, woof!” call.
After initial roles at Boeing and a brief recording career—including a 1969 RCA single with his band The Krums—Jarr moved to Las Vegas in 1970. A scheduled two-week engagement at the Sands in 1982 evolved into a 30-year career across 19 casinos, predominantly at Harrah’s Carnaval Court and Piano Bar. His final performances took place in 2019 at Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas.
Entertainment reporter Mike Weatherford remarked that Jarr’s passing symbolized “the end of an era for classic Las Vegas.”
Rossi Ralenkotter (1947–2025)
Rossi Ralenkotter, the mastermind behind the iconic tourism slogan “What Happens Here Stays Here,” passed away on October 10 after a 16-year battle with cancer at the age of 78.
During his 45 years with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, including 14 as CEO, Ralenkotter played a vital role in ensuring that Las Vegas remained a focal point for travelers worldwide.
He successfully attracted significant events such as the National Finals Rodeo and CES to the Strip, oversaw the convention center’s expansion, and advocated for data-informed marketing strategies.
John Strzemp (1951–2025)
John Strzemp, a notable casino executive, passed away on April 15 after a protracted illness at the age of 73.
A Chicago native, he relocated to Las Vegas in 1981, taking on pivotal positions at establishments like Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, Hilton, and Bellagio, followed by nearly three decades with Wynn Resorts, ultimately achieving roles as executive VP and chief administrative officer.
Notably, poker enthusiasts remember him for finishing as the runner-up in the 1997 WSOP Main Event against Stu Ungar, where he secured $583,000 in a gripping final duel.
Mark Wojtowicz (1976–2025)
Mark Wojtowicz, a dedicated historian of Las Vegas and the creator of the “360 Vegas Podcast,” passed away on July 30 at the age of 49, grappling with ongoing mental health challenges.
A native of Ohio, he developed a deep admiration for Las Vegas in the early 2000s, moving to the city in 2010 to launch his podcast. Over the course of 536 episodes, he revisited forgotten casinos and unique narratives, cultivating a devoted following through events like the annual “360 Vegas Vacation.”
In 2025, he published his meticulously researched debut book, “Vegas: From Fremont to the Strip,” motivating countless fans to honor the city’s rich heritage.