Norm Clarke, who was the center stage one last time in Las Vegas on Saturday, was celebrated in a show called “Conversations About Norm.” The beloved Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist was the star of the event, which took place at Myron’s at The Smith Center and drew friends, family, fans, and well-wishers from Las Vegas and beyond.
Clarke, who reigned over 3A in the Review-Journal for 17 years until he stepped down in 2016, passed away on March 20 at the age of 82 after a lengthy battle with cancer. In July, his ashes will be spread in his hometown of Terry, Montana, where it all began for him.
The event on Saturday followed the format of the “Conversations With Norm” chat series that Clarke hosted from 2013 to 2019 on the same stage. Divided into three sections, the celebration covered the significant periods of Clarke’s life.
The first section, Big Sky Country, delved into Clarke’s early years and his upbringing in Montana. His sister, Nancy Morast, his friend of 55 years, Denny Rue, and his half-brother and former Las Vegas photographer Jeff Scheid shared memories in this segment.
Next, Coming out of His Shell explored Clarke’s career from Cincinnati to Denver, where he worked as a reporter for the Associated Press. Longtime friends Pat Murray and Rhonda Michotte, along with Denver government official Mike Dino, reminisced about Clarke’s time in those cities.
The final section, Viva Las Vegas — The Norm! Years, was led by bartender Johnny O’Donnell, headliner Clint Holmes, and publicist Stephanie Wilson. They shared stories of their interactions with Clarke during his time in Las Vegas.
Myron Martin, the president of The Smith Center, reflected on Clarke’s involvement in the venue’s opening night in 2012. Clarke’s widow, Cara, also spoke at the event, which concluded with a performance of “Unforgettable” by Clarke’s great-niece, Bria Anderson.
Throughout the evening, friends and family recalled Clarke’s adventurous spirit, strong will, and charming personality. They shared anecdotes of travels, career milestones, and impactful relationships that defined Clarke’s life.
“Norm was a very adventurous person to grow up with,” Morast said. “You never knew what he was going to do, but it was usually fantastic.”
Rue remembered their spontaneous road trips and escapades, highlighting Clarke’s fearless and adventurous nature. Scheid shared the impact of a letter from Clarke that inspired him to pursue a career in photography.
Murray fondly recalled Clarke’s support during difficult times, especially when her son, David Kreuter, lost his life while serving in Iraq. O’Donnell reminisced about Clarke’s dedication to covering breaking news stories, including Britney Spears’ short-lived marriage.
Cara Clarke summed up the evening by acknowledging the joy and memories that Clarke brought to so many people. His legacy of vibrant storytelling and genuine connections left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
(Not really sure why this matters, but…) The celebration of Norm Clarke’s life was a testament to his enduring spirit and the profound influence he had on those around him. From his humble beginnings in Montana to his iconic presence in Las Vegas, Clarke’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
