Skal International Las Vegas - History
Larry Decker – Club Founder
LARRY DECKER
June 27, 1923-Nov. 10, 2011
Founder and first President of the Las Vegas Skal Club in 1963
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In March of 1963, Larry Decker, at the request of several airline colleagues from the Los Angeles SKAL Club accepted the invitation and challenge to organize and establish an active Las Vegas SKAL Club. Las Vegas, “The Entertainment Capital
of the World”, a national and international tourism destination was truly a logical city for a club, which upholds the ideals and needs of Skålleagues.
On October 21, 1963 at the Sands Hotel, Chuck Lawson, President of the North American SKAL Council, formerly chartered the SKAL Club of Las Vegas and presented the credentials and SKAL banner to President Larry Decker and
21 charter members. The historic and gala event included visiting SKAL dignitaries from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix and Cleveland.
Throughout his life Larry was an active member of Skal International – Las Vegas. Photo – Larry attending the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the club on June 12, 2004. He is joined by Master of Ceremonies Gary Wadell to his right and Skal International Las Vegas President Dick Thomas.
Larry was a WWII veteran and served as an airline executive during the growth of the industry, with Bonanza, Air West and World Airways. In 1982, he founded Sunworld International Airways in Las Vegas, and served as its CEO and President.
The next Las Vegas Skal toast is to Larry!
Skal International Las Vegas – Club 245
Chartered October 21, 1963
An abbreviated summary of the history of the Club, as recorded by Bill Kellogg.In March of 1963, Larry Decker, at the request of several airline colleagues from the Los Angeles SKAL Club accepted the invitation and challenge to organize and establish an active Las Vegas SKAL Club. Las Vegas, “The Entertainment Capital of the World”, a national and international tourism destination was truly a logical city for a club, which upholds the ideals and needs of Skålleagues.
On October 21, 1963 at the Sands Hotel, Chuck Lawson, President of the North American SKAL Council, formerly chartered the SKAL Club of Las Vegas and presented the credentials and SKAL banner to President Larry Decker. The historic and gala event included visiting SKAL dignitaries from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix and Cleveland. The founding and charter members were:
Larry Decker Bonanza Airlines Jim White Bonanza Airlines
Chuck Unser National Airlines Ray Culley Trans World Airlines
Walt Wehner United Airlines Al Adams Delta Airlines
Mike Cole Willis/Cole Travel Hal Foutz Desert Travel
Rick Owens Will/Cole Travel Jess Goodman Riviera Hotel/Casino
Gen. Joe Battley Sands Hotel/Casino Tony DiCario Flamingo Hotel/Casino
Carl Barbalat Tropicana Hotel/Casino Glen Anderson National Car Rental
Vic Leffering Hertz Car Rental Frank Mickulich LTR Bus Lines
Pappy Walsh Desert Inn Hotel/Casino Bob Cannon Tropicana Hotel/Casino
Bob Schmuck Stardust/Desert Inn Hotels John Goodwill Las Vegas Convention Authority
With strong leadership and direction, the Las Vegas Skal Club became and remains very active in the pursuit of tourism and the organization’s objectives.
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Founder Larry Decker
