The passing of Rich Burgel hit me pretty hard, as well as Pam and Casey. In fact, my absence from this Message Board for the past several days, is in respect to him, and has given me the opportunity to reflect back on our many years of friendship. In that friendship, Rich and I have been through a lot, I am grateful, that in the end, we returned to being close friends.

May he Rest in Peace and I thank him for the great times and memories!

I reached out to Rich's other friends here in Las Vegas (in the antique business) and have learned that Rich passed away last Tuesday, most likely from a heart attack. Two family members came here to as Vegas to take custody of his remains, and he was created and returned to Florida, to be with his deceased Mother. I understand that there are no plans for a Celebration of Life by family here in Las Vegas.

Sadly, I will miss Rich, as I am certain many others will as well, and I expect that I will think of him daily. Over the years, Rich and I, along with Pam and Casey, would nearly weekly, meet Rich for breakfast at the IHop near my house. Invariably, Rich almost always came bearing little gifts for myself, as well as Pam and Casey. I have accumulated so many chips from the RTP/WICO Archives as gifts from Rich, and casino tchotchkes (little trinkets) it is impossible to look around the house and not see something he has given me in friendship.

Rest in Peace my friend!

And while I am in no rush, I am sure that you will have a well prepared tour for when it is my time.

Jim