Milton I. Schwartz, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped build the original Flamingo Hotel/Casino, died Thursday, August 9, 2007, at a Las Vegas hospital. He was 85.
Schwartz was a founder and board chairman of Valley Hospital before its sale. He also founded the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy in Summerlin in 1988 and was active in real estate development around Las Vegas.
He was a partner and director of Nevada Yellow, Checker and Star Cab corporations in Las Vegas.
Jack Owens, who worked for Schwartz for 35 years and is general manager of the taxi company, said Schwartz was a longtime family friend but a demanding boss.
"He expected an answer pretty quickly of what he needed. You learned to be prepared," Owens said.
Sandi Avants, who regulated the taxi company while with the Taxicab Authority Board of Clark County, said she respected Schwartz's business acumen.
"This is a person who has done a lot for the community," Avants said. "He was an extremely bright, controversial and innovative Nevadan."
The taxicab authority investigated Schwartz for six months in 1997 and 1998 over allegations that he used money that had been obtained fraudulently to buy the taxi company.
Las Vegas Sun Editor Brian Greenspun brought the allegations before the regulatory body, but the authority decided to take no disciplinary action against Schwartz.
Mike Novick, a longtime friend and business partner of Schwartz, had only positive comments.
"He dedicated his life to doing the right things for the right reasons with kindness and humility," Novick said. "He was a book-smart business Mensa® member and a street-smart businessman with a passion for learning." (Mensa® is the international "High IQ" society. Further information about it can be found at www.us.mensa.org.)
Jonathan Schwartz, the taxi company owner's son, said: "He was a terrific story teller and was incredibly funny. He always loved Las Vegas and was the biggest promoter of Las Vegas that I can think of."
Milton Schwartz was born in Brooklyn NY to Samuel and Gussie Schwartz, who were Russian immigrants. His father's business installed walk-in freezers for restaurants and supermarkets.
Milton Schwartz later managed his father's store-fixture business, the first of 20 businesses he ran during his career.
Schwartz enlisted in the Army Signal Corps at the start of World War II on Pearl Harbor Day (coincidentally, the attack occurred on his 20th birthday anniversary) and reached the rank of staff sergeant.
He was stabbed during fighting in the Philippines but refused the Purple Heart because he did not want his mother to learn he had been wounded, Jonathan Schwartz said.
In 1946, Milton Schwartz saw an advertisement for refrigeration mechanics in Las Vegas, moved here and got a job helping to build the Flamingo Hotel/Casino.
He moved back to New York for a time. While there, he purchased the bankrupt company that sold Formula 409, later selling the household-cleaning company at a profit.
Schwartz was active in outfitting hotels, casinos and hospitals with refrigerators, furniture and fixtures for many years.
In 1971, he moved back to Las Vegas to establish Valley Hospital, which became known for its "Flight for Life" helicopter ambulances.
He owned and operated MISCO Inc., a cable television company that competed with Community Cable TV, in which the Greenspun family held an interest.
The Las Vegas Sun published stories in 1985 claiming Schwartz's cab company had a dangerous propane tank in downtown Las Vegas. Schwartz sued the Sun and members of the Greenspun family alleging libel but lost on appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Schwartz was active in community groups and the Republican Party. He was president of the Clark County Republican Party and a delegate to Republican national conventions.
At his home in Las Vegas, "he hosted presidents and prime ministers," daughter Robin Sue Landsburg said.
Services were at Riverside Nassau Chapel in Great Neck, N.Y. Memorial services were held later in Las Vegas.
Survivors also include a second daughter, Eileen Zarin; a second son, Samuel Schwartz; sister Beatrice Colter; and nine grandchildren.
Schwartz was a founder and board chairman of Valley Hospital before its sale. He also founded the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy in Summerlin in 1988 and was active in real estate development around Las Vegas.
He was a partner and director of Nevada Yellow, Checker and Star Cab corporations in Las Vegas.
Jack Owens, who worked for Schwartz for 35 years and is general manager of the taxi company, said Schwartz was a longtime family friend but a demanding boss.
"He expected an answer pretty quickly of what he needed. You learned to be prepared," Owens said.
Sandi Avants, who regulated the taxi company while with the Taxicab Authority Board of Clark County, said she respected Schwartz's business acumen.
"This is a person who has done a lot for the community," Avants said. "He was an extremely bright, controversial and innovative Nevadan."
The taxicab authority investigated Schwartz for six months in 1997 and 1998 over allegations that he used money that had been obtained fraudulently to buy the taxi company.
Las Vegas Sun Editor Brian Greenspun brought the allegations before the regulatory body, but the authority decided to take no disciplinary action against Schwartz.
Mike Novick, a longtime friend and business partner of Schwartz, had only positive comments.
"He dedicated his life to doing the right things for the right reasons with kindness and humility," Novick said. "He was a book-smart business Mensa® member and a street-smart businessman with a passion for learning." (Mensa® is the international "High IQ" society. Further information about it can be found at www.us.mensa.org.)
Jonathan Schwartz, the taxi company owner's son, said: "He was a terrific story teller and was incredibly funny. He always loved Las Vegas and was the biggest promoter of Las Vegas that I can think of."
Milton Schwartz was born in Brooklyn NY to Samuel and Gussie Schwartz, who were Russian immigrants. His father's business installed walk-in freezers for restaurants and supermarkets.
Milton Schwartz later managed his father's store-fixture business, the first of 20 businesses he ran during his career.
Schwartz enlisted in the Army Signal Corps at the start of World War II on Pearl Harbor Day (coincidentally, the attack occurred on his 20th birthday anniversary) and reached the rank of staff sergeant.
He was stabbed during fighting in the Philippines but refused the Purple Heart because he did not want his mother to learn he had been wounded, Jonathan Schwartz said.
In 1946, Milton Schwartz saw an advertisement for refrigeration mechanics in Las Vegas, moved here and got a job helping to build the Flamingo Hotel/Casino.
He moved back to New York for a time. While there, he purchased the bankrupt company that sold Formula 409, later selling the household-cleaning company at a profit.
Schwartz was active in outfitting hotels, casinos and hospitals with refrigerators, furniture and fixtures for many years.
In 1971, he moved back to Las Vegas to establish Valley Hospital, which became known for its "Flight for Life" helicopter ambulances.
He owned and operated MISCO Inc., a cable television company that competed with Community Cable TV, in which the Greenspun family held an interest.
The Las Vegas Sun published stories in 1985 claiming Schwartz's cab company had a dangerous propane tank in downtown Las Vegas. Schwartz sued the Sun and members of the Greenspun family alleging libel but lost on appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Schwartz was active in community groups and the Republican Party. He was president of the Clark County Republican Party and a delegate to Republican national conventions.
At his home in Las Vegas, "he hosted presidents and prime ministers," daughter Robin Sue Landsburg said.
Services were at Riverside Nassau Chapel in Great Neck, N.Y. Memorial services were held later in Las Vegas.
Survivors also include a second daughter, Eileen Zarin; a second son, Samuel Schwartz; sister Beatrice Colter; and nine grandchildren.
Milton I. Schwartz, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped build the original Flamingo Hotel/Casino, died Thursday, August 9, 2007, at a Las Vegas hospital. He was 85.
Schwartz was a founder and board chairman of Valley Hospital before its sale. He also founded the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy in Summerlin in 1988 and was active in real estate development around Las Vegas.
He was a partner and director of Nevada Yellow, Checker and Star Cab corporations in Las Vegas.
Jack Owens, who worked for Schwartz for 35 years and is general manager of the taxi company, said Schwartz was a longtime family friend but a demanding boss.
"He expected an answer pretty quickly of what he needed. You learned to be prepared," Owens said.
Sandi Avants, who regulated the taxi company while with the Taxicab Authority Board of Clark County, said she respected Schwartz's business acumen.
"This is a person who has done a lot for the community," Avants said. "He was an extremely bright, controversial and innovative Nevadan."
The taxicab authority investigated Schwartz for six months in 1997 and 1998 over allegations that he used money that had been obtained fraudulently to buy the taxi company.
Las Vegas Sun Editor Brian Greenspun brought the allegations before the regulatory body, but the authority decided to take no disciplinary action against Schwartz.
Mike Novick, a longtime friend and business partner of Schwartz, had only positive comments.
"He dedicated his life to doing the right things for the right reasons with kindness and humility," Novick said. "He was a book-smart business Mensa® member and a street-smart businessman with a passion for learning." (Mensa® is the international "High IQ" society. Further information about it can be found at www.us.mensa.org.)
Jonathan Schwartz, the taxi company owner's son, said: "He was a terrific story teller and was incredibly funny. He always loved Las Vegas and was the biggest promoter of Las Vegas that I can think of."
Milton Schwartz was born in Brooklyn NY to Samuel and Gussie Schwartz, who were Russian immigrants. His father's business installed walk-in freezers for restaurants and supermarkets.
Milton Schwartz later managed his father's store-fixture business, the first of 20 businesses he ran during his career.
Schwartz enlisted in the Army Signal Corps at the start of World War II on Pearl Harbor Day (coincidentally, the attack occurred on his 20th birthday anniversary) and reached the rank of staff sergeant.
He was stabbed during fighting in the Philippines but refused the Purple Heart because he did not want his mother to learn he had been wounded, Jonathan Schwartz said.
In 1946, Milton Schwartz saw an advertisement for refrigeration mechanics in Las Vegas, moved here and got a job helping to build the Flamingo Hotel/Casino.
He moved back to New York for a time. While there, he purchased the bankrupt company that sold Formula 409, later selling the household-cleaning company at a profit.
Schwartz was active in outfitting hotels, casinos and hospitals with refrigerators, furniture and fixtures for many years.
In 1971, he moved back to Las Vegas to establish Valley Hospital, which became known for its "Flight for Life" helicopter ambulances.
He owned and operated MISCO Inc., a cable television company that competed with Community Cable TV, in which the Greenspun family held an interest.
The Las Vegas Sun published stories in 1985 claiming Schwartz's cab company had a dangerous propane tank in downtown Las Vegas. Schwartz sued the Sun and members of the Greenspun family alleging libel but lost on appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Schwartz was active in community groups and the Republican Party. He was president of the Clark County Republican Party and a delegate to Republican national conventions.
At his home in Las Vegas, "he hosted presidents and prime ministers," daughter Robin Sue Landsburg said.
Services were at Riverside Nassau Chapel in Great Neck, N.Y. Memorial services were held later in Las Vegas.
Survivors also include a second daughter, Eileen Zarin; a second son, Samuel Schwartz; sister Beatrice Colter; and nine grandchildren.
Schwartz was a founder and board chairman of Valley Hospital before its sale. He also founded the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy in Summerlin in 1988 and was active in real estate development around Las Vegas.
He was a partner and director of Nevada Yellow, Checker and Star Cab corporations in Las Vegas.
Jack Owens, who worked for Schwartz for 35 years and is general manager of the taxi company, said Schwartz was a longtime family friend but a demanding boss.
"He expected an answer pretty quickly of what he needed. You learned to be prepared," Owens said.
Sandi Avants, who regulated the taxi company while with the Taxicab Authority Board of Clark County, said she respected Schwartz's business acumen.
"This is a person who has done a lot for the community," Avants said. "He was an extremely bright, controversial and innovative Nevadan."
The taxicab authority investigated Schwartz for six months in 1997 and 1998 over allegations that he used money that had been obtained fraudulently to buy the taxi company.
Las Vegas Sun Editor Brian Greenspun brought the allegations before the regulatory body, but the authority decided to take no disciplinary action against Schwartz.
Mike Novick, a longtime friend and business partner of Schwartz, had only positive comments.
"He dedicated his life to doing the right things for the right reasons with kindness and humility," Novick said. "He was a book-smart business Mensa® member and a street-smart businessman with a passion for learning." (Mensa® is the international "High IQ" society. Further information about it can be found at www.us.mensa.org.)
Jonathan Schwartz, the taxi company owner's son, said: "He was a terrific story teller and was incredibly funny. He always loved Las Vegas and was the biggest promoter of Las Vegas that I can think of."
Milton Schwartz was born in Brooklyn NY to Samuel and Gussie Schwartz, who were Russian immigrants. His father's business installed walk-in freezers for restaurants and supermarkets.
Milton Schwartz later managed his father's store-fixture business, the first of 20 businesses he ran during his career.
Schwartz enlisted in the Army Signal Corps at the start of World War II on Pearl Harbor Day (coincidentally, the attack occurred on his 20th birthday anniversary) and reached the rank of staff sergeant.
He was stabbed during fighting in the Philippines but refused the Purple Heart because he did not want his mother to learn he had been wounded, Jonathan Schwartz said.
In 1946, Milton Schwartz saw an advertisement for refrigeration mechanics in Las Vegas, moved here and got a job helping to build the Flamingo Hotel/Casino.
He moved back to New York for a time. While there, he purchased the bankrupt company that sold Formula 409, later selling the household-cleaning company at a profit.
Schwartz was active in outfitting hotels, casinos and hospitals with refrigerators, furniture and fixtures for many years.
In 1971, he moved back to Las Vegas to establish Valley Hospital, which became known for its "Flight for Life" helicopter ambulances.
He owned and operated MISCO Inc., a cable television company that competed with Community Cable TV, in which the Greenspun family held an interest.
The Las Vegas Sun published stories in 1985 claiming Schwartz's cab company had a dangerous propane tank in downtown Las Vegas. Schwartz sued the Sun and members of the Greenspun family alleging libel but lost on appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Schwartz was active in community groups and the Republican Party. He was president of the Clark County Republican Party and a delegate to Republican national conventions.
At his home in Las Vegas, "he hosted presidents and prime ministers," daughter Robin Sue Landsburg said.
Services were at Riverside Nassau Chapel in Great Neck, N.Y. Memorial services were held later in Las Vegas.
Survivors also include a second daughter, Eileen Zarin; a second son, Samuel Schwartz; sister Beatrice Colter; and nine grandchildren.
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