Report: Hughes aide Margulis near death

Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith reported on his blog this afternoon that Gordon Margulis, a longtime personal aide to Howard Hughes, is "nearing the end in a hospice" in Las Vegas.

Gordie, as he was better known, was an important and trusted source in my research for my book about Hughes. After the book was published, we continued to stay in touch. Gordie was the star of the show when he was part of a panel discussion about Hughes at my book launch party at the Nevada State Museum. In general, he was always willing to offer his informed perspective on various Hughes myths and realities.

Ironically, the last time I saw Gordie in person was at the funeral of Bob Maheu, who was Hughes' top aide in Las Vegas in the 1960s (and another key source for my book). Bob and Gordie later became very close friends. One of the highlights of my work on the book was an animated dinner conversation with Bob and Gordie at Tinoco's Bistro in downtown Las Vegas.

The news of Gordie's hospice-level health status caught me by surprise today, largely because I believed him to be such a strong, healthy man, even in his golden years. After all, it wasn't too long ago that he worked part time as a bouncer at a local nightclub.

My very best wishes to Gordie's family.