Chester Simms
1909 - 1970

Born and raised in Covington, Kentucky, Chester moved to New York City during the depression.

He worked in various positions in gaming and at racetracks.  His career included managing a casino in Havana in the late 40's.

The Simms family migrated to Las Vegas in 1951 when Chester was offered a position at the struggling Flamingo Hotel.

He worked as Casino Manager at the "Fabulous Flamingo" from 1951 to 1967.

The last year or so of his career was spent managing the casino at the Frontier Hotel for Howard Hughes.

Marie Bohlman Simms
1925 - 1969

Born in Queens, NY, 1925, Marie was a model and former Miss Rheingold for New York City.

She met her husband to be, Chester, in 1943.  They enjoyed a "Guys and Dolls" romance between New York City and Havana.  Marie and Chester (Sky Masterson) were married November 11, 1945.

They were blessed with two children, Douglas and Dawn.

Under Marie's urging they moved to Las Vegas in 1951.  Marie was active socially and spent countless hours involved in charity work.

She died in 1969 at the young age of 44, but lives in our hearts and remains a symbol of classic beauty from that era.

Dawn Marie Simms
1950 - 1999

Born in New York City in 1950, Dawn Marie was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

She was a standout Junior and Senior high student and attended Mills College in Oakland, California.  Dawn also received a Master's Degree from Holy Names College.

An accomplished chef, she acted as guest chef for many fundraisers.  Dawn also taught and guest lectured throughout her culinary career.

She married Dr. Robert Gryzwacz in 1977 and assisted him as manager of his podiatry practice.  Dawn and Robert maintained a beautiful household.  This included a classic garden of a magnitude seen in very few private residences.

Dawn Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and succumbed to the disease in July, 1999.