Former Tropicana exec, arts patron Saltz dies

Erica D. Johnson

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002 | 9:47 a.m.

Of all the memories Robert Saltz has of his father, two things stand out -- his giving nature and one gleaming, physical characteristic.

It's the memory of Sidney Saltz's big blue eyes that his son takes comfort in now, as he recalls his father's accomplishments as a Tropicana hotel executive and his dedication to the Las Vegas arts community.

"In all his suffering and pain, whenever I came by his side I would hold his hand, and his eyes would open up and I'd see his bright blue eyes," said Robert Saltz of Henderson. "That's the memory that's sticking with me."

Sidney "Sid" Saltz, former executive vice president of the Tropicana in the 1960s and board member of the Nevada Ballet Theater, lost his yearlong battle with bladder cancer Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was 89.

Graveside services were Wednesday at Bunkers Eden Vale Memorial.

"The things that stick out most in my mind about Sid are that he always looked younger than his age and that he was such a pleasant, kind man," said Maynard Sloat, who produced the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" in 1968.

Robert Saltz said many people would remember his father for his kindness and generosity.

"He was a man of his convictions," Saltz said. "He was very passionate with an enormous heart. Those values about taking care of those less fortunate are going to be his legacy. As devastated as we are by the loss, those values last forever."

A native of Estonia, Saltz moved to Las Vegas in 1955 from Chicago, where he owned "American Maid," a women's lingerie store. He had gone into the apparel business with his father in the 1960s.

During his years at the Tropicana, Saltz worked under J. Kell Houssels, the hotel's president.

Saltz married Collette Riedinger, a renowned French opera singer and film star, who came to Las Vegas in 1959 to star in the "Folies Bergere."

Collette sang in the show for three productions, until she gave up her career to start a family. Robert Saltz was the couple's only child.

Also starring as a dancer in "Folies Bergere," was Houssels' wife, Nancy, who co-founded the Nevada Ballet Theater in 1971. Saltz was one of the earliest board members of the theater, Nancy Houssels said.

"Sid was truly a gentleman," Nancy Houssels said. "He supported all good causes, and especially arts and culture in Las Vegas for as long as I've known him. He's certainly helped encourage the growth of the arts here."

Saltz invested in real estate and opened Saltz Warehouses, a company that rented warehouses to industrial manufacturing companies.

He came to work every day, even after his stroke a year ago, Robert Saltz said.

In addition to his son and wife, Saltz is survived by his three brothers, Theodore and William of San Diego and Bernard of Clearwater, Fla.