Beto

Alberto “Beto” Vega-Mejia was born in Rio Florido, Zacatecas, Mexico, to Maria and Marcelino Vega. He was the sixth oldest of thirteen siblings.
In 1970, Beto moved from Mexico to Santa Paula, California, where he worked picking lemons for several years. In 1978, he moved to Reno, Nevada, which would become his beloved home for the rest of his life.
In 1981, Beto began working at what was then the MGM Grand, now the Grand Sierra Resort. He would remain there for nearly four decades, continuing to work through several changes in ownership and company names until his retirement in 2019.
Beto began his career at the casino and resort as a porter and eventually worked his way up to becoming a server in several of the resort’s restaurants, including its fine dining establishments. Toward the end of his career, he transitioned to room service, the position from which he ultimately retired.
Beto was a hardworking man who truly loved his job. He loved serving and interacting with people from all walks of life. He took great pride in his work and had a way of making it fun for everyone around him. His warmth, humor, and genuine kindness brought joy to countless customers throughout the years.
Although Beto never married or had children of his own, his life was far from lonely. He was surrounded by more than 50 nieces and nephews, numerous siblings, and an extended family who adored him. He lived with his brother Javier and sister-in-law, helping raise their three daughters into adulthood. Later, when Beto moved into his own apartment, he quickly made friends with the people around him. It seemed that wherever Beto went, he found a way to make people feel like family.
Beto was loved by many because of his vibrant personality, generous spirit, and warm smile. He enjoyed talking with loved ones and strangers alike. He had an appreciation for both life’s big celebrations and its simple pleasures. He loved attending weddings and quinceañeras, traveling to Mexico and Europe, enjoying a good meal with a good glass of wine, and listening to music.
He especially loved colorful things, particularly flowers. One of his favorite routines was going to the Gold Dust West, where he would enjoy a glass of wine and a bowl of pistachios while playing video poker. These simple moments brought him happiness.
Above all, Beto loved spending time with his family. Family gatherings were among his greatest joys, and his presence could always be counted on to bring laughter, conversation, and warmth.
Beto was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2022. After a short but difficult battle that included chemotherapy, he passed away from complications of pneumonia on May 15, 2022, at the age of 69. He was surrounded by many of his beloved family members in his final moments, listening to two of his favorite songs, Amor Limosnero by Joan Sebastian and Una Lágrima by Estela Núñez.
His loss devastated his family, and he is missed more than words can express. Beto touched the lives of countless people, including many who were not related to him by blood. He had a way of making everyone feel like family, and to so many, he was simply “El Tío de Todos” — Everyone’s Uncle.
Beto leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, love, and stories that will continue to be shared for generations. His vibrant spirit and generous heart will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
We love you and miss you so much, Beto.