In Celebrating of The Life of Rolando Larraz
By Perly Viasmensky
Las Vegas Tribune
In the afternoon of last Friday, March 11, 2022 there was a celebration of the life of Rolando Larraz, the founder, publisher and Editor in Chief of this newspaper, dedicated to the people without a voice, at the Ahern Hotel.
Rolando Larraz was not only my brother, but my best friend. His loss has caused me great depression and I am unable to communicate verbally and openly with others in our circle, but we were taught from an early age that gratitude is what we need to have and show especially at a time when we can consider the benefits that the practice of giving thanks can bring to our overall well being.
My brother’s Celebration of Life was possible because of the generosity of his longtime friend, Ed Uehling. Ed programmed and developed the whole event and yes, PAID FOR IT too, without considering the cost.
What can I say now? Thank you, Ed, for the love you showed to my brother, even though he is no longer around, and indirectly to me. I hope we never lose touch with each other.
Now, I want to thank everyone that showed up to remember Rolando: Steve Sanson, President of Veterans in Politics International and his lovely Heidi. Steve also served as Master of Ceremonies. He’s a character who, even when he is serious, brings laughter to others and he said things about Rolando that made me laugh.
Oscar Goodman, former mayor of Las Vegas; Michael Schaefer, who traveled from San Diego, California just for the celebration.
Maramis Choufani, the managing editor of the Las Vegas Tribune, and her family. Maramis was one of the speakers. Her speech was so emotional it brought more tears to my eyes. Also, she requested to have a tree planted in my brother’s name, which gives me some peace of mind knowing that Rolando’s name and legacy will remain alive for years to come.
Donald Snook, the one and only, who keeps the Tribune alive, and his wife Rita.
Michelle Darquea, a friend of Rolando of many, many years.
Ramon Savoy, former owner of the Las Vegas Sentinel-Voice Newspaper, and his wife Lynnette.
Our one and only Comeisha Monica Lenoir, who has been next to and behind me since my brother’s departure.
Stan and Danette Hyt, Katherine Duncan, Leo Flangas and his mother Wanda, Brandy Klatt, William Lackey, Parker Philpot, Dalila Regis and her children Anna and Anthony Pena, David Riggleman, Ross and Clark Huebner, DiDi Lima, and Maria Galvez.
Also Josh Michaely, longtime friend of Rolando, and our niece Christine.
If I forgot someone, my apologies but the gratitude is the same for the sentiment of love shown toward Rolando Larraz.
* * * * *
Perly Viasmensky is the General Manager of the Las Vegas Tribune. She writes a weekly column in this newspaper. To contact Perly Viasmensky, email her at pviasmensky@lasvegastribune.com.
Follow