Pioneering tourist host Morris dies

Friday, Nov. 12, 1999 | 10:22 a.m.

For a man who quit school at 15 to serve his country in post-World War II, Bobby Morris became a success in the high-profile Las Vegas tourism market by using his street smarts.

"I used to tell him you have a master's degree in the streets and a Ph.D. in the school of hard knocks," said longtime business partner and friend John Woodrum, owner of the Klondike hotel-casino.

"Bobby was a visionary who saw an untapped market in Las Vegas and made his own opportunities."

Robert E. Morris, the founder of the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau, who used handouts to advertise his time share condominium promotions and Grand Canyon flight tours, died Wednesday after falling down a flight of stairs after eating at a Las Vegas restaurant. He was 68.

Services for the Las Vegas resident of 35 years will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Bunkers Mortuary. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Bunkers.

In addition to the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau, next door to the Klondike and across from the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign at the south end of the Strip, Morris also operated kiosks in local resorts, where tourism information such as maps and show guides were readily available to visitors.

Although the name of his business sounds like a government agency, it is not a part of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Morris made his money in the promotional material that was offered as part of the free information, such as seminars for time share condos at places such as the Jockey Club, of which he was once the manager.

Morris also was a partner in Las Vegas Tour & Travel and another business that provided tours of the Grand Canyon.

Morris also developed Rae's Restaurant and Lounge in Henderson, which is run by his wife of 17 years, Joan.

"My husband was known for his generosity, and he provided financial support to people in need," Joan Morris said. "He encouraged many people to follow their dreams."

Born Aug. 20, 1931, in Parsonsburg, Md., Morris was the youngest of four children of farmer Leonard Morris and the former Irma Parker. Robert was raised on the family's dairy farm by his mother after his father died when Robert was 5 years old.

In 1945 he quit school to join the Army, telling officials he was 18. He served until he was honorably discharged in 1949.

Morris moved to Miami where he went to work in the hotel industry, starting as a valet and bellman and working his way up to bar and restaurant operator in the 1950s and early '60s.

He moved to Las Vegas in 1964 and opened a tourist welcome center in an old candy shop on Boulder Highway. It was regarded as the first business of its kind in Southern Nevada.

Morris later coordinated junkets for the Hacienda hotel-casino before meeting Woodrum and partnering with him on several ventures.

"Bobby was the ultimate party guy, and he loved Las Vegas because Las Vegas was a happening place," Woodrum said. "The world is a party and Bobby was its host.

"I have always believed that a man's value is in the lives he touched, and Bobby touched a lot of people with dignity, grace, goodness and charm. He was respected everywhere he went."

Woodrum said it was sadly ironic that his friend, who loved to go to restaurants and always got the best tables because of his generous tipping, died walking out of a Sahara Avenue restaurant after enjoying a good meal.

"Bobby's favorite saying was 'I've never had a bad day in my life,' " Woodrum said. "He was having a good day up until he died in what can only be called a freak accident. A lot of people fall down, but so few die like that. He hit the back of his head and went quickly."

An avid golfer, Morris was a member of the Las Vegas Country Club and Lake Las Vegas.

In addition to his wife, Morris is survived by two sons, John Morris of Miami, Fla., and Steve Morris of Las Vegas; and six grandchildren, Hannah, Haley, Charles, Amanda, Emily and Christine. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.