Philanthropist, co-founder of IGT, Marilyn Redd dies

Thursday, April 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

By Bob Shemeligian

and Ed Koch

Marilyn S. Redd, who co-founded International Game Technology with her husband, has died.

Redd, wife of gaming technology pioneer William "Si" Redd, died Wednesday at a local hospital after a long battle with cancer. The Redds founded IGT, which revolutionized the slot industry with video poker machines in the 1980s.

"We were deeply saddened to hear of Marilyn Redd's death," said Tom Baker, IGT president and chief operating officer. "Marilyn was always supportive of Si, who was the reason for the birth of IGT. This is a great loss for Si and we mourn with him."

Flags at the Oasis Resort in Mesquite, owned by the Redds, were lowered to half-staff in honor of the philanthropist who contributed lavishly to a wide-range of charities, especially those promoting the advancement of women in athletics and the curbing of domestic violence.

"Marilyn Redd was one of the most incredible people I've ever met," said David Humm, spokesman for the hotel. "I've been lucky enough to play in the NFL and travel around this country. I've met world leaders and people of accomplishment and this woman could walk with any one of them."

Services for the 30-year Southern Nevada resident will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Palm Mortuary-Eastern Chapel. Interment will be in Palm Valley View Cemetery. Visitation will be at Palm-Eastern 4-7 p.m. Friday.

The Redds' philanthropic deeds spread through many corners of Southern Nevada. Most notably, perhaps, was their major contributions to UNLV's athletic department, especially the Women's Sports Foundation.

"Marilyn has been a wonderful supporter of the university and a dear friend to many people here -- students, faculty and staff," said UNLV President Carol Harter.

"We profoundly regret her passing and are grateful for all she and Si have done for the university over the years."

In 1994, the couple made a sizeable donation that led to construction of the Marilyn and Si Redd Athletic Training Complex, which is part of the Lied Training Complex.

"The UNLV athletic Department is saddened by the news of Marilyn's death," UNLV Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro said. "She was a critical part of our athletic family. She truly loved the university."

One of her contributions created the Si Redd Room at the Thomas & Mack Center in recognition of his 70th birthday 15 years ago.

Her contributions have been used to reconstruct and renovate the men's and women's basketball offices and create Redd Vision, a four-sided scoreboard with video screens for instant replays. She also supported the women's softball and men's golf programs, among others.

Born in Los Angeles, Marilyn Redd became a licensed real estate broker -- a vocation she practiced for 25 years before marrying Si in 1975.

In 1987, Redd received "Distinguished Nevadan" status from the University of Nevada, Reno. Last November, she and her husband were named "Philanthropists of the Year" at the fourth annual National Philanthropist Day Conference.

More recently, Marilyn Redd was inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame as a distinguished contributor. The honor will be given posthumously at the bi-annual Hall of Fame dinner next year.

Among the many organizations supported by the Redds were Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence, the Marian Houses for pregnant adolescents and many other women's assistance programs.

In addition to her husband, Redd is survived by a son, Roy Bunch of Las Vegas; her mother, Lucille Shaw, and stepfather, Raymond Shaw, both of San Diego; a sister, Marjorie Francisco of Siloam Springs, Ark.; two granddaughters, Corrina and Janette; and a great-grandson, Dominique.

DONATIONS: In Marilyn Redd's memory to the UNLV Athletic Department Marilyn Redd Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 45002, Las Vegas, NV 89154.

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