CATEGORY: Event TYPE: Obituary NOTE: Dateline-Las Vegas, NV
George Holmes Kindler (1948-2006) of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at the age of 57 Sunday, May 21, 2006, due to multiple complications resulting from an aortal aneurysm near his heart. He fought valiantly for three weeks while enduring three open-heart surgeries and a stroke.
Born to Evelyn May Holmes Kindler and Ralph Otto Kindler on July 8, 1948, he is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth Irene Kindler, his father, Ralph, two sisters, Elaine Marie Kindler and Amy Elizabeth Kindler, and a brother, Warren Wheelock Kindler and his wife Nancy L. Kindler. There are numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and -nephews, cousins, two aunts and an uncle.
A quiet giant has fallen in a town of flashy billboard stars. George Kindler's behind-the-scenes magic has forever changed the way the public hears and sees headliners and venues throughout Las Vegas and the world.
From a very young age Kindler enjoyed the benefits of an unusual amount of curiosity, perception and candor. His earliest accomplishments while growing up in Framingham, Massachusetts, include: designing a piston-less engine, winning state champion target rifle honors in all six New England states simultaneously, and a first chair trumpet position in the All-State Band; not to mention a perfect score of 800 on his math SAT's. His remarkable ability to create art out of science was to make his future career path both challenging and rewarding.
He received his engineering education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. Kindler first showed signs of his technical prowess while a member of a creative dance troupe, Electronic Body Arts, of Albany, NY. His computer-aided light sequencers were among the first of their kind. He continued to display his talent with light and sound at the Saratoga Springs Jazz Festivals and directing the live-audience sound reinforcement for the "Miss America Pageant" for over a decade.
In 1986 he made the move to Las Vegas and began leaving his unique signature throughout the city. Among his credits are: the Mirage, including the volcano and Siegfried and Roy's light and sound design; Treasure Island; MGM Grand; the Fremont Street Experience computer control; and the Bellagio, including the dancing waters show control.
At the Red Rock Resort one can witness the genius left behind by this much beloved master of theater and display technology. The video super-monitor which features sporting events and their gambling results has "set the standard in the industry for the next ten years," as stated by co-worker Bobby Schiffman of Kelley Technologies.
Kindler worked with many greats of the entertainment industry including: Zero Mostel, Tony Bennett, Dennis O'Connor, Steven Spielberg, and Steve Wynn.
Most of all Mr. Kindler was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle, a generous, kind and well-spoken gentleman, a lover of nature and outdoor activity, an inventive cook and magical songwriter and storyteller. He will be greatly missed.
There are no calling hours in New Hampshire.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the Danville Baptist Church, 226 Main Street/Route 111A, Danville, NH.
Burial will follow in the Old Meetinghouse Cemetery, Danville, NH.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer a contribution in his name to: Sierra Club, 85 Second St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, or a charity of your choice.