H. Ray Nelson unexpectedly passed away in his sleep Feb. 24, 2009 at his Las Vegas home. He was born on Aug. 3,1937, in Ogden, Utah, to Howard R. Nelson and Donna McGregor. Ray moved with his parents and siblings to Logan, Utah, in 1949, where his father became the General Manager and major shareholder in the Logan Knitting Mills. Ray completed his schooling in Logan and married Elaine Lofthouse in November 1956. Ray and Elaine had four children together but later divorced. Ray spent his early career in the family business, Logan Knit, with positions in both operations and sales. Being a sporting fellow, he moved his young family to Las Vegas and began a 42-year-long career in the gaming industry. This career had him crossing paths with numerous celebrities including Frank Sinatra and John Wayne. During this time, Ray was victorious in a precedent-setting lawsuit that established new Nevada parameters for at-will employment and unjust discharge. He retired at the age of 70 in September 2007. Ray was a strong-willed but generous man who will be missed by his family and best friend Punkin. He is survived by his daughter Pamela Nelson of Brookings, Ore., sons Howard (Rosemary) of Grande Ronde, Ore.; Rick Nelson and Ron Nelson of Brookings, Ore.; brother Bill Nelson (Angie) of Las Vegas; and sisters Nyla Reese (Marty) of Ogden and Natalie Waddoups (George) of Sandy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Donna Nelson, and his dog Suzy. A family graveside service will be held prior to internment at the Logan Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary.