Charles L. "Chuck" Ruthe, of Las Vegas, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 79 years of age.

Chuck came to Las Vegas from Wisconsin and started in the real estate industry with his partner, Frank Sala. In 1975, he opened his real estate offices Charles L. Ruthe and Associates and became one of Las Vegas' most respected leaders in the business community. Several years later, his long-time friend, Bill Boyd, asked him to join his company as president. Boyd Gaming quickly became one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the country, and Chuck's leadership was an important part of their initial rise, up until his retirement in 1996.

Chuck loved Las Vegas and gladly and proudly gave of his time and support. He was honored and recognized for his leadership in our community by numerous organizations. He served as president of the Nevada State Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the board of directors of Health Plan of Nevada, vice chairman of the board of First Western Financial Corporation, director of Pioneer Citizens Bank, president of The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of Wells Fargo Bank, formerly First Interstate Bank. He also served on the Governor's Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, on the Board of the Nevada Development Authority, Boulder Dam Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Nevada Real Estate Commission, along with numerous other civic and community organizations, as well as a supporter of the Nellis Air Force Base Support Team. Chuck was an avid golfer and fondly helped to found the Las Vegas Founders Club in 1981, which managed the PGA Tour stop in Las Vegas for 25 years.

Chuck is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna; his children, Julie Breslin, Scott and Kurt Ruthe and Richard Acovino; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters; one brother; and several nieces and nephews. For all that he brought to our family, the Las Vegas community, and his countless friends, we say "Thank's Chuck" for all the lives you touched during your time with us. "We will miss you greatly."

Funeral Services were held on February 25, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Henderson, NV, followed by a celebration of Chuck's life at the Southern Highlands Golf Club, Las Vegas.