A Las Vegas icon passed away today as Richard Harrison, better known as “The old man,” from television’s hit show “Pawn Stars” passed away after a long battle against Parkinson’s disease. His son Rick posted the sad news on his Instagram page.
I didn’t watch the show a lot, but I was well aware of the man, and had been to the world famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop several times with friends and family who wanted to see it while visiting from out of town. I was always amazed at how many people were there just to look at a pawn shop. Clearly Mr. Harrison and his family made a big impact on not just the local community, but the entire world.
My only personal encounter with the old man came several years ago when we went to see the opening of “Pawn Shop Live,” which was a show the chronicled the beginning of the show and how the family ended up in Las Vegas. It wasn’t the best show I had ever seen for sure, but it highlighted what an institution this family had become. Following the show, I had a few moments to speak with him, and he was very friendly to me and all the other people he came in contact with.
We all must go and some time or another, but very few of us touch as many people as Richard Harrison did. Happy trails old man.
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