Byron "Al" Katz

Al was born on May 18, 1928 in Detroit, MI to Joseph and Fanny Katz (nee Falkoff) and was a long-time resident of Las Vegas, NV. He loved telling bad jokes and socializing with old friends and new acquaintances. When bidding them farewell, he would always say, “I’m so glad you met me.” Everyone he met noticed his kindness and easygoing nature. As a child of the Great Depression, he admitted he was cheap - down to painstakingly checking every item on every restaurant check and making sure he didn’t tip too much, particularly during his senior years. However, he also was generous to his first wife, Anita; second wife, Marlene, and his children. He was a hard worker and great provider, and he always shared his winnings from the racetrack and casinos. Al retired in Las Vegas and spent many hours “going to the office,” betting on horses at the racebook in the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, where he perfected his handicapping technique and happily shared his method with anyone who would listen. Al grew up in Detroit and followed in father’s footsteps, building his Grand Haven Metals Scrap Yard aka “The Shop” in Hamtramck, MI. He built a successful business and enjoyed the company of many friends he knew since childhood. He remained a diehard fan of the losing Detroit Lions, even after the family moved to Los Angeles in 1978 to escape the cold weather. In Los Angeles, he opened a new business, Fairfax Stationers, an office supply and greeting cards store near Canter’s deli and CBS Television City. Al is preceded in death by his parents; both wives; and survived by his two daughters, Jody and Leslie. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:40AM on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, NV. King David Memorial Chapel handed the arrangements.