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Terry Lovern
passed away December 30 at 1:30am, Michael Ashton was by his side.
LAS VEGAS
REVIEW JOURNAL ARTICLE 1/05/2007
LV
performer Lovern, 61, dies of cancer
Dancer, ice skater became production manager at Stardust
By MIKE WEATHERFORD
REVIEW-JOURNAL
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Terry Lovern
Dancer, skater performed in several revues, led Las Vegas Civic Ballet |
Terry Lovern, a dancer and ice-skating
performer who became the longtime production manager at the Stardust, died of
cancer Saturday. He was 61.
Lovern was the driving force behind the Las
Vegas Civic Ballet, serving as its artistic director and coordinator from 1988
to 1999.
A professional skater since he was a teen,
Lovern performed in revues such as "Ice Capades" and "Holiday on Ice" before
moving to Las Vegas in 1968 to be a dancer in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere."
Lovern became "Lido" company manager at the
Stardust in 1989 and helped guide the transition from the casino's long-running
"Lido de Paris," which closed in 1991, to "Enter the Night," which ran through
1999. He was still employed by Boyd Gaming when he died.
Even as he battled kidney cancer, Lovern
summoned the energy to help organize a cast and crew reunion at the Stardust in
September, re-creating production numbers from "Lido de Paris" and "Enter the
Night."
"He was my inspiration the whole way
through," said Lou Anne Chessik, who produced the event. "He had such a positive
attitude: 'I just need to get through this.'" he would say.
Terrance Lee Lovern was born in Spokane,
Wash., on Oct. 8, 1945. With skating, he studied ballet as a youth and was
touring with "Ice Capades" by the time he was 15. "They had plans for him," Las
Vegas producer Bill Moore said. "But he got to Las Vegas, and there was
longevity here."
Moore and late partner George Arnold used
Lovern as a featured skater in several of their Strip productions, including
"City Lites," "Playgirls on Ice" and "Razzle Dazzle."
Lovern became their production assistant,
helping rehearse revues for export to out-of-town resorts. "He was a great
dancer, too; it was a combination of both. You couldn't want someone who better
knew the craft," Moore said.
In 1989, Lovern left the stage and moved
into backstage management at the Stardust. "Enter the Night" was financed by
out-of-state producer Ted Lorenz, but the longer it ran, the more hands-on
Lovern became in the show's creative decisions.
He was instrumental in the publicity
campaign surrounding "Aki -- Showgirl for the 21st Century," creating a featured
role for Dutch dancer Akke Levin -- now a Las Vegas attorney -- and promoting
her in a widespread ad campaign that included a decorated Western Pacific
Airlines jet.
Lovern took over the Civic Ballet while he
was a skater and dancer in the Flamingo's "City Lites." The 9-year-old group was
struggling back from organizational troubles and a lack of funding.
"This is like a little jewel here, and
nobody knows it," Lovern told the Review-Journal in 1989. He enlisted fellow
professionals from the Strip to help polish his "diamond in the rough" and work
with performers ages 10 through 23.
Lovern is survived by longtime partner
Michael Ashton, of Las Vegas; his mother, Pressa Lovern, and his sister, Ollie
Farr; both of Spokane. No services are planned. A celebration of life is
tentatively set for Feb. 11 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Updates about the commemoration
will be posted on the Web site www. castandcrewreunion.com.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Published
January 21, 2007. Las Vegas Review Journal Obituaries
LOVERN, TERRANCE
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TERRANCE LOVERN Terrance Lee
Lovern, dancer, ice-skater and well known longtime production
manager at the Stardust died of cancer Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006. He
was 61. A professional skater since his early teens, Terry performed
in revues such as "Ice Capades" and "Holiday on Ice" before moving
to Las Vegas in 1968 to dance in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere".
Serving as its artistic director and coordinator from 1988 to 1999,
he became the driving force behind the Las Vegas Civic Ballet. The
nine-year-old group was struggling back from organizational troubles
and lack of funding when Terry stepped in and enlisted fellow
professionals from the Strip to work with performers ages 10 through
23. Many past participants in the program have found their way to
the professional stage as a result of his mentoring, ingenuity and
generous commitment of time, artistry, and personal resources. Still
employed by the Boyd Gaming Group when he died, Terry became the
"Lido" company manager at the Stardust in 1989 and helped guide the
transition from the casino's long-running "Lido de Paris", which
closed in 1991, to "Enter the Night", which ran through 1999. Even
as he battled kidney cancer, Terry summoned the energy to help
organize a cast and crew reunion at the Stardust in September,
re-creating production numbers from "Lido de Paris" and "Enter the
Night". Terry is survived by longtime partner, Michael Ashton; his
mother, Pressa Lovern; his sister, Ollie Farr; and a multitude of
loving friends. A celebration of his life is set for 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Tropicana. Please sign the online guest book
at the R-J website.
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Date: January 21, 2007
From: Maureen
City/State: Henderson
The sadness of your passing is still in my heart, but being a close part of
your life daily for over 30 years is truley a reason of celebration that we
had the time together, so I will always keep in my heart the time we did
have together,and remember our sillyness on Ice in many shows, our great
laughter at sooooo many stupid things but for some reason they bound us
together...they say we come into each other`s lifes for a reason, and when
that lesson or reason is over we leave...So it is with sorrow but most of
all happiness that I say good bye my friend until we meet again.....I love
you and miss you, but glad you were there would not change it for
anything... |
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Date: January 21, 2007
From: kimbolee
City/State: las vegas
So many memories are flooding my mind, too numerous to mention, & there is
not enough space! We had great times. You were there through the good & the
bad & will always be a part of my life. You are loved & will be missed.
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Date: January 21, 2007
From: Joel I. Mur
City/State: Las Vegas, NV
Terry will be missed by many. He could do anything--and everything he did,
he did well. My term as President of the Civic Ballet Board was made so much
more pleasant than it could have been because of his generous contribution
of time and talent. Here was a man with a very big, very demanding position
at the Stardust who gave many hours of his time each week to creating this
wonderful learning environment for young dancers. They gained priceless
experience as they danced on the same stage with seasoned professionals
under fine choreographers. Terry was there all along guiding their progress
and giving each one his special attention. The Civic Ballet Concerts he put
together were of a quality that rivaled any dance company. I was proud to
offer those concerts to the general public, they were not your typical dance
recital kind of a thing. Many tourists found their way to those concerts and
were astounded at their high quality. Terry was a joy to work with and later
a good friend who, by the way, being the wonderful cook that he was, put
together the best pot roast I ever had the pleasure of tasting. Michael,
Ollie and Mrs. Lovern, we all share your loss. Joel I. Mur, Las Vegas,
Nevada |
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Date: January 22, 2007
From: Johnny Wertz & Jack Campbell
City/State: Las Vegas
We will both always hold on to the precious memories of Terry. He will
forever have a very special place in our hearts. |
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Date: January 23, 2007
From: Joanne Nivison
City/State: Las Vegas, NV
In Terry’s passing we have lost the physical presence of a loving, generous,
wonderfully creative and beautiful human being. However, although I feel a
profound sadness, I still feel his kindred spirit and believe that I always
will. My 30-year career in the arts afforded me a long hard look at fine
artists in every visual and performing arts discipline and among them, Terry
stands out….not only for his talent but because he took his artistry beyond
his own fine performance to manage productions in such a way that the
artistic integrity of his cast members was never compromised and audiences
left the showroom uplifted because they saw dancers who could REALLY dance
and singers who could REALLY sing and because they heard fine musicians
playing live. I never took a guest to see “Enter the Night” who was not
absolutely thrilled with the experience. He was full of joy and gratitude
for his own success and had such a strong desire “to give back” some of what
he had received and so he devoted long hours to facilitate the development
of those young dancers of the Civic Ballet, pulling in talent from among his
professional friends and associates to share in this endeavor which he
considered to be a privilege. He saw beyond the constraints of small
production budgets, scheduling conflicts and petty squabbling to the real
reason for it all, the incomparable lessons learned by those young company
members that prepared them for professional careers…all of this to the sheer
delight of their audiences. When I was invited to take a small part in the
Golden Rainbow production “Las Vegas Legends” which Terry directed along
with coordinating many other aspects of the production, I had a chance to
see him work under less than perfect conditions and pretty severe time
constraints. We “community personalities”, who had never been in a Las Vegas
show, were worked right in along with working and retired professionals
without a hitch. He was always right on, smooth as silk, charming, patient
and pleasant while he held us to a high standard. What could have been a
pretty frightening experience was pure pleasure because we were instructed
and guided by a very able man with a terrific aesthetic sense who knew how
to lead with authority, diplomacy and humor and who was a gentleman of the
highest order. I will always remember Terry, eyes sparkling, a brilliant
smile on his face, impeccably dressed and stunningly handsome standing in
the lobby on an opening night. I won’t see him there again but more than a
memory, the essence of him, his loving kindness, infectious good humor,
generosity, strength and courage, taught me lessons that will inform all of
my days. Thank you Terry, for everything. I’m sorry we never made it to stay
with you in Mexico. I love you and I’ll be seeing you…Joanne |
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Date: January 24, 2007
From: Trenna Howard
City/State: Las Vegas
My heart is filled with sorrow as I read the obituary of this wonderful man.
Somehow I refused to believe he had really passed untill I opened the paper
this morning and there glaring out at me were the words I had been dreading.
The entertainment community of Las Vegas has lost an incredible talent, a
class act, a community leader, a charitable man and wonderful friend. I
first had the pleasure of meeting and working with Terry in the mid 70s. He
was my dance partner in the Folies Bergere Vienese Waltz. Night after night
as the doors would open to reveal a Vienese Ballroom, I would spin across
the stage into the trusted arms of Terry, as we swayed and twirled into the
magic of a bygone era. I will always remember him as I saw him then;
standing tall in a beautifuly taiolred tuxedo & tails, gloved hands reaching
out to greet me as I made my way towards him. Of course there was always
that beautiful smile and those warm sparkling eyes. Terry had an amazing
career. He was an outstanding leader of "Lido de Paris" and "Enter the
Night". He helped shape the lives of many young dancers through his efforts
and leadership of Las Vegas Civic Ballet. He was always happy to lend a hand
in community activities. He organized the entertainment portion each year
for the Las Vegas Old Timers get together. All of us girls whom were lucky
enough to be asked to perform were always delighted. Michael, I know how
much you will miss your beloved Terry. I can only imagine your pain. I know
you take solice knowing how much Terry was loved and admired by other in our
artistic community. I as one, feel blessed that I met him. With all my love,
Trenna |
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Date: January 25, 2007
From: Elwood (Woody) Purvis
City/State: Henderson
I have many memories while I worked for Terry for about 20 years as his
propman.Terry was allway`s there when I needed help with a show problem. I
will miss him. |
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Date: January 26, 2007
From: Donna
City/State: Las Vegas, NV
Terry gave me the fairy tale story that all little girls dream of going to
ballet class. Dreaming one day they would be on stage. I had recently moved
to Vegas in `89 after closing Hello Hollywood in Reno. I was now dancing in
Jubilee when Terry first saw me onstage. Mary Nutt was leaving the Lido and
Terry called me and offered me the job. It wasn`t just being in the chorus,
I was going to be a Principle for the first time. He along with Lisa Clarson
re-choreographed the finale for me and to the dismay of many he took the
original headress off and allowed me to wear my signature hair color of the
time, short short platinum blond. This opportunity he gave me opened so many
doors for the remander of my career. But more than what he did for my
career, we shared a great friendship. Even though we didn`t see each other
often after I retired, when we did, we would laugh til we cried. Terry we
will miss you and all you have done for dancers in this town, I look forward
to dancing with you again some day on the other side. Donna |
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Date: January 26, 2007
From: Charma & Ron & Jackie Pinto
City/State: Las Vegas
We all remember the great shows of the seventies. They were too much fun.
Michael, we remember when you came here, and you and Terry were there when
Charma and I met. We all will never forget the wild times at Maureens`. From
Jackie to Michael; Your Terry was the best roomate ever. So many many
laughs,thank you Terry`s Mum for such great memories visiting you in Calif.
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Date: January 29, 2007
From: Kim Oglethorpe
City/State: Henderson, NV
Your passing will be a blessing to those who you`ve gone to see, a sadness
for those you`ve left behind. We love you and miss you. Much love and
prayers for Micheal. |
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Date: February 01, 2007
From: Lou Anne Harrison Chessik
City/State: Las Vegas
Terry Lovern was my dance partner in the Stardust stage production of the
"Lido De Paris", he was my manager in "Enter the Night," and my inspiration
when I produced the Cast and Crew Reunion. Terry Lovern was my first call
when I heard the Stardust was closing, it was our last chance for a Stardust
reunion and Terry agreed. He was right there to help create a production
show that would celebrate the five decades of our unique history. I watched
as Terry directed the dancers and stagehands at rehearsals with ease, he was
a leader and loved by many. It was like stepping back in time, working
together again at the Stardust with Terry. He was glowing, and his smile was
contagious. People gathered around him, waiting for a hug, and the chance to
thank him for everything he had done. It was called the "The night of a
thousand hugs" I will remember it not only as a good-bye to the Stardust,
but more importantly, a goodbye to Terry Lovern. He will be missed, but not
forgotten........ Lou Anne Harrison Chessik |
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Date: February 01, 2007
From: Marian Palmer
City/State: Las Vegas Nevada
Terry was most memorable when I walked into his office to inform him of a
"situation" onstage or backstage. As I pleaded my case, he took a deep
breath, rolled his eyes to the top of his head, as if looking to the Heavens
for an answer. His eyes lingered there for a few seconds, still holding his
breath, then simultaneously exhaling as he lowered his eyes to look and me
and said, "Alright, I'll take care of it"again," emphasizing again. The
heavens are blessed with him now and our eternity of love for this gracious
man, son, brother, friend, and lover will help fill the empty hearts of
Pressa, Ollie and his dear Michael. Oh, that Terry was here to inhale deeply
and roll his eye's again. With loving memories, Marian Palmer "Lido De
Paris" 1975-1991 |
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Date: February 04, 2007
From: Len & Jill Rader
City/State: Las Vegas
Terry, You were always most courteous, compassionate, and there for us
whenever necessary. We really do miss you, and thank you for the many
wonderful memories, both on and off stage. |
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Date: February 05, 2007
From: Jan Drake
City/State: Las Vegas, Nevada
Terry Lovern was my boss and friend at the Stardust Hotel. I worked for
him in the "Lido de Paris" show in 1990 and the "Enter the Night" show
in 1992. He touched my life and many others through the years with his
artistic expertise, kindness, and loyalty which I will never forget. I
performed as a covered Bluebell dancer in the Lido show. Terry gave me
excellent spots in the show for whuch I worked hard to maintain. He
always encouraged me to continue taking ballet classes to strengthen my
technique. He knew I wanted to keep up with the very well trained
dancers. My backround had been in competitive gymnastics, modern, jazz,
and some ballet dance. He had been a professional iceskater and dancer,
therefore he could relate to having several disciplines to bring to the
stage. I had come from Nassau, Bahamas from a previous dance contract,
when I started working for Terry. I was devastated from a break up with
a boyfriend. Terry was very supportive to me in my grief. He introduced
me to his partner Michael, who was very kind and talented also. Terry
not only hired me as an employee, but also treated me as a friend. I was
committed to the show and his leadership. Terry encouraged me to
continue working on my choreography that I had achieved in the Bahamas.
He offered to help me with it. Terry asked me to dance in the next show
(later to be "Enter the Night.") I was honored by this. He was very kind
to my family when he met them. While at the Lido show, I became ill and
Terry hired me back into "Enter the Night" as a lead Showgirl, in which
all of the Showgirls were leads. Terry was a loyal person to me
throughout all of my experiences with him. My Father was dying while I
worked at "Enter the Night." It was another stressful time for me where
Terry was compassionate and serious in his considerations. He gave me
the option to leave, which I chose and reassured me that I could return
at a better time. My career ended soon after leaving, because of a
chronic back injury. I am grateful that I had the time dancing in both
shows, as short as they were, with Terry and the great people that were
in his casts. He was always good to me and was the same to all of his
employees. He tried to be fair in many hard situations that occurred
during the shows, especially the Lido Show. Terry had a great sense of
humor and alot of charisma which we all enjoyed at work. He had an
ingenious sense of knowing who would work well for him in his shows. He
also knew how to make the employees look their best. He created a look
for me that enhanced my performing quality. His casts of artists were
all multi-talented people such as himself. I was lucky to be part of
this group. Terry Lovern was a rainbow of strength and kindness for me
and many people. God bless you, Terry and thankyou. I stand up for you
with ovations many times and wish you joy, love, and peace everlasting.
I love you. Jan Drake |
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Date: February 05, 2007
From: Angela Santangelo
City/State: Las Vegas
I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Terry. He provided me the
opportunity of my first job as a Las Vegas dancer with "Enter the
Night". After mulitple auditions and many phone calls which he always
returned he hired me. Of course the day I was hired was the same day
"Enter" was given their notice. He didn`t have to give me that
opportunity, but he brought me aboard for the remaining months of the
shows run. His generosity will never be forgotten. |
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Date: February 05, 2007
From: Madelyn Johnston
City/State: Las Vegas
I have many happy memories of my years working with Terry. He was the
guy to get things done. Always sweet,polite and interested in our being
happy. I still cannot believe he is gone But he will never be forgotten
by those of us who knew and loved him. I`ll always remember the twinkel
in the eye and that boyish grin. It is fitting that there will be no
more Stardust it would not be the same without Terry backstage. Rest in
Peace my friend. |
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Instructions for submitting photographs.
Michael Ashton has asked me to gather a
collection of written memoirs from people that wanted to share their story
of how Terry touched their lives.
Terry Lovern
Memories
Bill Moore
Terry worked with us for 25 years as a performer, personal assistant and
choreographer. We could not have done what we did with out him. He was a
sweet, lovely person, and will be in my heart forever.
Jacky Ward
Terry and the Stardust will be missed by the creative community, and both
should proudly take their place in the history books of Las Vegas.
Steve and Eddie
Terry was a great guy; it meant so much to us to be together at the
Stardust. He will be missed terribly, we loved him.
Bill Boyd
Terry Lovern worked at Boyd Gaming for 18 years and he was not only a very
hard and dedicated worker, but he always had a smile on his face and was
more than willing to help in any are that he could. Everyone at Boyd Gaming
misses Terry very much.
Lee Pepper
There is no replacing Terry. He will live on in my memories forever.
Lou Anne Harrison Chessik
I am so grateful to have known Terry. He
touched so many of our lives in so many special ways. He will be missed, but
not forgotten.....
Jan Drake
Terry touched my life and many others through the years with his artistic
expertise, kindness, and loyalty which I will never forget.
Kamill Akhmetov
I
think it is very symbolical that even Stardust Hotel did not manage to out
live Terry Lovern.
Dick Franco
Terry was a pleasure to
deal with and a delight to see on a daily basis. His level-headed, even
treatment of everyone was a rarity in this business. His professional
demeanor is an example to all of us.
John Messana
It
was Connie this and Connie that, that always brought a smile to my face,
Maureen
Goodbye my friend.
Kimbolee
You were there through the good and the bad and will always be a part of my
life.
Joel I. Mur
The Civic Ballet concerts he put together were of a quality that rivaled any
dance company.
Johnny Wertz & Jack Campbell
We
will both always hold onto the precious memories of Terry.
Joanne Nivison
I will always remember Terry, eyes sparkling, a brilliant smile, impeccably
dressed and stunningly handsome standing in the lobby on an opening night.
Trenna Howard
The entertainment community of Las Vegas has lost an incredible talent, a
class act, a community leader, a charitable man and wonderful friend.
Elwood(Woody) Purvis
I have many memories while I worked for Terry for about twenty years as his
Prop man.
Donna Browning
My Dearest Terry: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my dream.
Charma & Ron & Jackie Pinto
Michael, we remember when you came here, and you and Terry were there when
Charma and I met.
Jennifer Hindle
Terry, thank you for
sharing your passion for life that inspired me. Thank you for the
opportunities you provided me, your guidance, support, friendship and love.
I miss and love you.
Kim Oglethorpe
Your passing will be a blessing to those you've gone to see, a sadness for
those you've left behind.
Marian Palmer
The heavens are blessed with Terry and our eternity of love for this
gracious man, son, brother, friend, and lover will help fill the empty
hearts of Pressa, Ollie, and his dear Michael.
Len & Jill Rader
Terry, you were always most courteous, compassionate, and there for us
whenever necessary.
Angela Santangelo
He provided me the opportunity of my first job as a Las Vegas dancer with
"Enter the Night".
Madelyn Johnston
He was the guy to get things done, always sweet, polite and interested
in our being happy.
Jan Drake
He touched my life and many others through the years with his artistic
expertise, kindness and loyalty I will never forget.
Barbara Beverly Crockett
Terry was an outstanding leader with a great sense of humor. He will be
missed by so many whose lives were touched by his over the years.
Paulette Olsen
I
never told Terry how much I appreciated what he did for my sons Robert and
Michael “the Scott Brothers” thanks.
Gillian Kabat
Terry was my daughters skating coach. He instilled in her a lifelong love
for skating and personally groomed her.
Sandy Towns
My
friendship with Terry taught me a very valuable lesson: - Past hurts are not
worth holding onto, but good friends are! I will be forever grateful that
in the end I knew how much Terry loved me, and he knew how very much I loved
him!
Chris and Amy Nickolson
Thank you, thank-you, thank-you Terry Lovern. I thank you for all that I
have! You will be in our memories for all time.
Janette Boyd-Williams
I
have pictures of Terry that I will always treasure. My heart goes out to his
friends and family.
Michelle Silva
The best moments of my
life are because of Terry Lovern. I am forever grateful and will miss him
dearly.
Jennifer Hindle
Terry, thank you for
sharing your passion for life that inspired me. Thank you for the
opportunities you provided me, your guidance, support, friendship and love.
I miss and love you.
Jane Basset
Terry was a good man and with a warm and winning smile that he shared freely
with all who knew him.
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