Civic leader, talent agency pioneer Griffith dies at 68

Monday, June 8, 1998 | 10:19 a.m.

R. Scott Griffith, 68, a businessman who was deeply involved in the Las Vegas community and had a passion for flying, died Wednesday.

Services are set for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 S. Maryland Parkway.

Burial will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

"Scott was truly a mover and shaker who knew the value of publicity when Las Vegas was moving toward becoming a major tourist destination," said Mike O'Callaghan, a close friend of Griffith's. "He predicted greatness for the city and then helped achieve it."

Griffith, a native of Paducah, Ky., moved to Las Vegas in 1955 to work as the public relations and advertising manager for the Nevada Power Co.

In 1959 Griffith struck out on his own, starting the Holiday Models Corp., the nation's first special talent agency for trade shows.

He also started the Holiday Convention Service Co., the nation's first destination and special event management company.

In addition to business, Griffith was active in politics and ran for several local offices. Although never elected, he campaigned in 1978 for the establishment of law and architectural schools at UNLV.

Griffith was a seaman in the Navy Reserve for three years after World War II and also served in the Korean War.

He served for many years as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Among his many community activities, Griffith was founder and former president of the Las Vegas Advertising Club and in 1957 served president of the Las Vegas Press Club.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of the home, and his daughter, Kami Griffith Oisboid, of Las Vegas, and his granddaughter, Alexandra Oisboid.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.