Gary was born March 8, 1962 in Far Rockaway, NY to Robert and Joyce Ernst, He grew up in Queens and Long Island, NY. He graduated from Oceanside High School before moving to Las Vegas in 1980. Gary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from UNLV in 1984. He met his wife, Michelle on their first day of college, and they married on June 2, one week after their college graduation.
After college, Gary began his hospitality career with Embassy Suites Hotels in California. He started as a Management Intern and became a General Manager at the age of 26. He transferred to the Holiday Casino, now known as Harrah’s Las Vegas in 1989. He remained with Harrah’s in various positions in Human Resources, Slots, and as an Executive Casino Host his entire career.
The most joyful part of Gary’s life was being a father to his daughter, Cheryl, spending time with her and watching her grow up. Gary loved travelling with his wife and daughter to the Bahamas, Mexico and Hawaii. He also enjoyed trips with family and friends to Mammoth Lakes, CA spending time fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing.
Gary participated in sports from a young age. His favorites to play were basketball, tennis, skiing and swimming. He was an avid sports fan of all the New York teams including the Knicks, Mets, Jets, Yankees, Giants and Rangers. He was a true, loyal UNLV Rebel basketball fan and attended their games for many years.
Gary had a wonderful sense of humor, and he was loved and admired by all he came in contact with. He will be dearly missed.
Gary is survived by his mother, Joyce; wife, Michelle; daughter, Cheryl; brother, Joel; one uncle, two aunts and many cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held 11:00am on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Palm Mortuary Northwest. Gary will be laid to rest at the Garden of Heritage at Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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