DONALD DICKHENS Obituary

DONALD LEE DICKHENS April 18, 1942 January 17, 2025 "It's Been Magic" Donald L. Dickhens, a respected hotelier whose career spanned decades in the hospitality industry, passed away January 17, 2025 at the age of 82. His expertise and leadership defined an era of hotel management. Don was born on April 18, 1942 in Los Angeles, California, to the late Frank and Lydia Dickhens. He attended Washington High School in Los Angeles, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Penny (Forsen). Don and Penny were married in July 1964. Don's love for hotels started in the summer of 1959 at the Hacienda Hotel in Las Vegas, where he took on his first job waiting tables and greeted guests as they stepped off the plane. It was this experience that ignited his passion for the hospitality industry. Under the mentorship of Warren "Doc" Bailey, Don was encouraged to pursue a formal education in hotel management, leading him to Michigan State University (MSU), where he earned his degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management. After college, Don began his career with Sheraton Hotels as a Management Trainee in Portland, Oregon, and Columbus, Ohio. His early years were punctuated by a two-year stint in the U.S. Navy, where he was commissioned as an officer and placed in charge of overseeing officers' clubs and accommodations at Naval Air Station Glencoe in Brunswick, Georgia. Following his military service, he rejoined Sheraton as a Front Office Manager back in Columbus. Management positions quickly followed at the Sheraton in Philadelphia, the Sheraton Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Sheraton Townhouse in Los Angeles. Don distinguished himself through his keen business acumen, relationships with his staff and the ability to manage high-profile properties. He transferred to the Sheraton Waikiki in 1977, where he quickly fell in love with Hawaii. After leaving Sheraton, he joined the Emerald Corporation (now known as the Pan Pacific Hotels) as the General Manager of the Hawaiian Regent Hotel. He was instrumental in elevating the property to one of the premier destinations in the state, fostering a culture of excellence among his staff and ensuring an unforgettable experience for guests. He later became the Regional Vice President and managed the Pan Pacific in San Francisco and the Mauna Lani Bay Resort on the Big Island. He also oversaw the development of Pan Pacific Hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu. Throughout his career, Don was widely respected for his ability to navigate the complexities of the hotel business while maintaining a personal touch, earning the admiration of colleagues and industry leaders alike. He served as President of the Hawaii Hotel Association and was on the Board of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau as well as the Waikiki Development Association. His final hotel management position found him in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Adams Mark Hotel, which served as the Headquarters for the 2005 Super Bowl. Following his hotel career, Don took an interest in the insurance business and became a manager at Amerilife Insurance Company. Don also had a passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his tenure at the Sheraton West, he played a pivotal role in hosting the team and forged a deep friendship with legendary manager Tommy Lasorda. His other interests included a love for his extensive collection of model trains and coins. Through the years, he also enthusiastically continued to follow his Michigan State Spartan football and basketball teams. He and Penny shared a passion for hospitality and traveled extensively over their 61 years of marriage. Though deeply dedicated to his work, Don was equally committed to his family. Together with Penny, they navigated the demands of a career that took them across the country. Their children, Kristy and Greg, were a constant source of pride. Later in life, Don remained active in the hospitality industry, lending his expertise to various ventures and mentoring the next generation of hoteliers. Coming full circle, retirement found him back in Las Vegas, where he had launched his long and storied hotel career. Donald L. Dickhens is survived by his wife, Penny, their children, Kristy Dickhens (Bob Weaver), and Greg (Keala) Dickhens and his two granddaughters Leana and Malia. A private celebration of life will be held in April.