Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.
About 1,000 longtime residents of the Las Vegas Valley gathered Sunday for the eighth annual Las Vegas Old Timers Reunion at the Stardust, and their thoughts were with one of their own who couldn't join them -- critically injured illusionist Roy Horn.
A moment of silence was observed for Horn after dinnner, and a proclamation was made to send Horn get well wishes included the names of the attendees.
"We wish him a speedy recovery," local businessman Herb Kaufman said. Last year the Old Timers Reunion remembered Las Vegas Sun entertainment columnist Joe Delaney.
Horn remained in critical condition Sunday at University Medical Center. He has undergone several surgeries, including the removal of a portion of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain following a stroke.
While dozens of friends, fans and family kept a candlelight vigil outside UMC on Sunday night, at the old timers' dinner, Thalia Dondero, a university regent, former county commissioner and Las Vegas resident for 60 years, said she would propose Horn be named a Distinguished Nevadan.
"I think it would be appropriate," Dondero said. "He deserves a medal of honor" for boosting the state's economy while raising Las Vegas' profile worldwide with the 13-year run of Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage.
Entertainer Sonny King, who arrived in Las Vegas in 1955, recalled doing benefit shows with Siegfried & Roy and Tony Orlando at Caesars Palace nine years ago.
"We respected each other's talent," King said, recalling how Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn brought magic and "magnificent" wild cats to Las Vegas stages.
"They are very gentle people," King said. "I pray for both Siegfried and Roy every night."
Steve Golden, a saxophone player who arrived in Las Vegas 28 years ago, said the illusionists are "a Las Vegas legacy."
Golden said he made music for the magic duo at private parties at the Bellagio and The Mirage.
Golden said he saw Fischbacher, the magician, and Horn, the animal trainer, with their white tigers and lions backstage during rehearsals, but never had touched the animals as Horn and handlers worked with the big cats.
"It's still an animal," Golden said. "Just like a horse, something can spook them."
But the "old timers" -- folks who have lived in Las Vegas for 30 years or more -- there was much more to talk about than Horn. Memories of good times were recalled as they hugged, shook hands, slapped backs and table-hopped.
Black and white films silently recalled Las Vegas throughout the 20th century and music from the '40s and '50s played in the background.
Kaufman, who operated the Wonder World store and was co-owner of KVVU Channel 5 with comedian Johnny Carson, said the annual dinner was a way for old friends to get together and reminisce.
That's exactly what former Clark County Sheriff Ralph Lamb did.
Lamb said Las Vegas has changed dramatically from his law enforcement days in the late '60s and '70s,
"It's something that's going to happen," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
But, he said, that doesn't mean that he has to change. "I still ride horses," Lamb said.
Jackie Gaughan, who has operated downtown Las Vegas casinos for decades, said he still gets up in the morning and goes to work at the Plaza.
"I never miss, I go every day," Gaughan said.
Walter Pinjuv said Gaughan has the same work ethic shared by many Las Vegas old timers. Pinjuv and his five brothers and two sisters grew up in a house a block south of Fremont Street.
Walter Pinjuv, now 83, told people at the dinner that his younger brother, 80-year-old Mike, still goes to his State Farm Insurance Co. office every day to work.
Many at the dinner talked about how their professional and personal lives have been intertwined with the Las Vegas Valley and its key industries -- gaming and entertainment.
Sam Mandell met his wife, Beth, while she was a showgirl at the Riviera hotel.
A veteran of the Korean War, Mandell said, "I came to Vegas for a visit and never left."
Starting as a showroom host at the Flamingo, he moved to the Riviera, the first high-rise hotel on the Strip, and then the Dunes.
Mandell said Las Vegas is the only place for him.
"I can't go anywhere else," he said, although, he said, his wife has performed on Broadway.
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