Sun Staff

Sunday, July 23, 1989 | 6 a.m.

Prominent Las Vegas businessmen on Saturday called SUN publisher Hank Greenspun a dynamic, warm-hearted friend, saying his passing is a great loss to Nevada.

Henry Lewin, president of the Sands Hotel-Casino, said: "Hank was a close, close friend. We lost a very unusual guy. Every city has a very special person, a special character. Hank was this for Las Vegas. He was unique for the Jewish community and also special to the gentile community."

Steve Wynn, owner of the Golden Nugget and Mirage Hotel-Casinos, said: "I've never known a man who had more courage of his convictions or principles than Hank. There wasn't in my lifetime anything like him. There are just some men who are impossible to replace. I'm going to miss him very much."

Arthur Waltzman, chairman of the board of the Riviera Hotel-Casino, said: "Hank was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever dealt with. I can't say enough about him and his efforts for our community and the state if Israel."

Jack Binion, president of the Horseshoe Hotel-Casino, said: "He was one of the most dynamic guys I have ever known."

Benny Binion, founder of the Horseshoe and Jack's father, said: "He was a great loss to me personally and to the community."

Bruce Banke, publicity director for the Las Vegas Hilton and a former SUN sportswriter, said: "Hank brought me to Las Vegas 25 years ago and he has been a true friend ever since. I, like all the people of Las Vegas, have much to thank Hank for. He was a great community leader who will be very missed."

Steven Stein, a prominent Las Vegas attorney, said: "Hank is one of the most wonderful, warmhearted men I have ever known in my life. We all have lost a good man - our community and our country."

John Giovenco, president of the Las Vegas Hilton, said of Greenspun: "The gaming industry is sure going to miss him. He was one of the giants in Nevada. He was always supportive of clean gaming."