I had the great, good fortune to--initially--work alongside Gary after moving to Vegas in 1999 to be a business reporter at the Sun. He was always warm, incredibly generous with his time and support and that meant a lot to 'the new kid on the block.' Later, I was both flabbergasted and enormously flattered when he asked me if I wanted to come work for him after he became Communications Director at Harrah's (now Caesar's). I knew very little about corporate communications but through Gary's help, I learned the ins and outs from someone who oozed professionalism and thoroughly understood media from, as the song says, "both sides now."  Any subsequent success I have had in my communications career I owe in part to Gary's generosity and mentoring.
He was a really talented writer, but more importantly, he was a really great guy--in every sense of that term.
To his family, I am (belatedly) so sorry for your loss. But if it's true that people live on as long as there are those who remember them with fondness, you can rest assure Gary' will not soon be forgotten by anyone fortunate enough to have known him.
My deepest condolences.

Gina, My heart just breaks for you and Gary's family.  I have memories of talking to him on the phone. We had some nice conversations,  talking about life and families here in Arkansas. I want you to  know how much Gene and I loved you..  May Heavenly Father comfort you .  
                                                                             Much love, 
                                                                              Carolyn 






Dear friends and family of Gary Thompson,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of a very special man.  I worked closely with Gary at Harrah's corporate office in the early 2000's, and I looked up to him as a mentor and leader.  He taught me so much about humility, grace, determination and resilience.  He touched thousands of employees lives through is caring and thoughtful communication and his ability to solve any issues quickly.  He brought us great comfort during difficult times, and celebrated our success in the good times.  He will be missed, and most fondly remembered.
Warmest regards,
Eileen Moore

While working as  Harrah's   Corporate Security at 1 Harrahs ct.  I met,  and talked to Gary many times.  In getting to know  him throughout  the following years I always had a chance to converse with him on many subjects.  Gary was a very kind , and caring individual always greeting you with a smile, and warm words.   Gary never lost contact with me, and  always shared conversation which was most inspiring.    To the family I leave my deepest condolences. ."LEARNING  FOLLOWS VARIOUS  ROADS,  WE NOTE THE START BUT NOT THE END,  FOR TIME AND FATE MUST RULE THE COURSE,   WHILE WE SEE NOT BEYOND THE BEND."  

You will forever be the love of my life Gary Thompson.
The most compassionate, intelligent, humble human being I was ever blessed to know. 
You have left your mark on every person you met. 
I will carry you with me till I join you once more. I love you my beautiful husband.
I am the luckiest woman I know.


RIP Gary, you will be sorely missed.  Your work at Caesars and your legacy at the World Series of Poker will stand the test of time.  Your ability to navigate any situation or any problem with kindness and dignity was truly remarkable.  We will miss your wisdom and guidance. You were so gracious with your time and knowledge, and it had a profound impact on those who were fortunate enough to work with you.  Our condolences to Gary's family and friends.  We will indeed miss him, but count our blessings that we got the time with Gary that we did.  He always put a smile on faces and was a joy to be around. 

I was friends with Sandy through our child advocacy work and met Gary at Sandy's funeral.  I encouraged Gary to join our organization and he did.  We became great friends.  We had lunch about 4 times a year to catch up and after years of being alone he met Gina and our lunches became couples dinners.  He was such a sweet, smart, witty good friend.  Love to Gina and Kelly in this time of grief.

Donna Coleman

Gary was a wonderful person and a great newspaper man.  I was a reporter at the Las Vegas SUN. Gary was managing editor. He was one heck of a writer, reporter and editor. He mentored me and a whole generation of reporters. He was the best boss I ever had. God bless you Gary.  -- al tobin

My heart goes out to Diane, Linda and  Terry.  I know how much you loved Gary and were such a source of strength and support as he fought his battle.  Prayers that you will take comfort in knowing he’s at peace now.  

I remember hanging out at the Danbury house with Bobby and thinking what a great guy you were talking with us and being kind.  You were always one of the good guys.  See you on the other side  my prayers are with you and your family.



Gary always had the most beautiful smile ! I am very thankful for the opportunity to get to know him and call him my friend. He shared his wisdom with love and compassion.  Love and prayers for strength and guidance for his family and friends.  
 May God hold you in the palm of his hands until we meet again.  

Another amazing person taken away.   I’ve known Gary pretty much all my life.  He was married to my sister Sandy until her death in 2001.  Gary has done so much for other people and was an amazing man.  He will be missed by many.   My condolences to his family.   My love and support is with Kelly, his daughter.   RIP Gary.  You’re at peace and with loved ones 

OBITUARY

Gary Edward Thompson

December 4, 1945 – April 14, 2019

Palm Cheyenne Mortuary

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