LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Rossi Ralenkotter, a veteran tourism official who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Las Vegas, died Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 78.

Ralenkotter spent 45 years working at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, including 16 years as its President and CEO. He was instrumental in launching successful marketing campaigns and establishing Las Vegas as a leader in conventions.

Ralenkotter recalled arriving in Las Vegas in 1951 when the city was much smaller.

"I was four years old and the town had about 36-37,000 people," he told 8 News Now in an interview shortly before his death.

His father worked as a dealer and helped open the Sands Hotel on the Strip.

"As kids, growing up, there was no mob; that wasn’t discussed. We were playing Litt

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