He came to Las Vegas to help get the Hacienda off the ground.  As its first General Manager, he helped put the struggling casino on the map and became good friends (and right hand man) to owner, Warren "Doc" Bailey.

He loved Las Vegas and became a historian who kept the history of the Hacienda, Bailey, the Moulin Rouge and much more alive.

Thanks to Doc's vision, the homes in Mt. Charleston became a reality over fifty years ago.  Dick was one of its first residents and became its official historian.

He was one of the first people we interviewed as part of the "Classic Las Vegas" Archive Project and his interview is available on DVD at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.  We did the video oral history at his mid-century modern home adjacent to Rancho Bel-Air.  He had a palm tree shaped like a tiki god in his front yard.  As I drove up to his drive-way, I knew we would be good friends.

Over the years, I have gotten used to every few months getting a letter with clippings, pictures and more from Dick, all related to Las Vegas history.

When I was doing the "Untold Stories" series at the Springs Preserve, Dick was a frequent guest (driving down from the mountain) and an occasional speaker.  I will always be grateful.

He was a passionate about Las Vegas history and his lady friend, Terry.

Word came just few minutes ago that Dick Taylor passed away in his sleep last evening.

Rest in peace, good friend.  I will always be thankful for your friendship and for the history you fought so hard to preserve.

God speed.