John I. Fitts

John Irving Fitts, 67, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. John was born in New York, New York, one of three and the oldest son of George and Jay Fitts. John was raised in Spring Green, Wisconsin, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and was a life-long Packers fan. John relocated to Los Angeles in 1984, where he met and married, Toni, his wife of 31 years.

John had nearly five decades of experience in the lodging industry. May 2016 would have marked his 50th anniversary. He began his career as a bell captain at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and held various senior positions with most major hotel companies, receiving multiple national awards for marketing. John was currently President/CEO of OLS Hotels & Resorts, which he formed in 1988. He has authored numerous articles on hospitality marketing and was a frequent lecturer and keynote speaker at the college level, most recently UNLV's College of Hotel Administration.

John was a beloved family member, friend and colleague. He is survived by his loving wife Toni; one son, John Bennett (J.B.) Fitts; daughter-in-law, Jane; twin grand-daughters, Evelyn and Camille; sister and brother-in-law Sandra & Roger Vasey; brother and sister-in-law Kim & Brenna Fitts; six nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives.

Services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

The family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to Wagging Tails Rescue, (949) 422-8744, www.waggingtailsrescue.org.