David McKee

One of Las Vegas’ least pretentious and most beloved casino executives died yesterday when Burton Cohen expired at the age of 90. He kept his hand in until the end, serving on the MGM Resorts International board of directors. His manifold tours of duty included three as president of the Desert Inn. There, he brought the concept of the concierge to Las Vegas. Today we take it for granted. Former colleagues are lauding him for his kindness, knowledge and straightforward manner. He’s also said to have a deceptively sneaky humor. “He had no peers in his combination of charm and wit. As recently as a few weeks ago he had me rolling in laughter. He was as spry and active as someone half his age,” former Nevada governor Bob Miller told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Las Vegas changed in many ways in his nearly 50 years here but Burton’s insight was always relevant.”

Noting Vegas’ propensity for implosions, Cohen remarked, “Testimonial to my managerial ability … I’ve left a sea of destruction.” A few Cohen-managed casinos survive, including Circus Circus, which he helped Jay Sarno open. (Cohen sure must have had some stories about that.) Sheldon Adelson may claim to be a “mensch” (as he recently did) but Cohen was the real item. The one time I had the privilege of interviewing him, I was impressed by Cohen’s generosity with his time, his unassuming nature and his fondness for the showbiz figures he brought to Vegas, including Michael Bennett, whose production of A Chorus Line played the Desert Inn (I think). Thankfully, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas has preserved Cohen’s story in his own words. Continue reading →