When people think about Las Vegas, some first think about the glitz and glamour. Others see their minds flash to the people that make the city feel so special.
For myself and hundreds of others, one of those people will always be Aquarius Wilkinson.
Aquarius, or Q as he was affectionately and perhaps a little infamously called, was a well known and beloved member of the Plaza Hotel and Casino team. Although Aquarius technically wasn’t my host, that didn’t mean a thing when it came down to how he treated me- he treated everyone like an old friend he was eager to see again. Over the past 7+ years, I saw our relationship evolve from warm property hospitality to a genuine friendship, complete with inside jokes and memories of shared experiences.
Like so many people, when the news reached me about Q’s untimely passing, I was met with a state of shock and disbelief. Q was the type of person that kept up with everyone and was always posting online about not only the happenings at Plaza but his adoration for his family. While trying to comprehend this tremendous loss, I started recalling some of my favorite memories and, of course, the first time I met the downtown legend.
My Aquarius origin story starts like many others- I was gambling at The Plaza. I was freshly hired downtown and was out with some new friends trying our luck. I vividly remember playing Thunder Cash on larger bets than I should have been wagering. To my utter delight, after only a few $20 spins, I landed the Free Spin bonus and collected my first Plaza handpay. Always the opportunist when it comes to gambling, I asked the slot attendant that came to pay me out if there was a host on duty. Enter Aquarius.
For whatever exact reason I can’t remember, but at the specific moment in time, Oscar’s was closed and the food options were a little limited. Thankfully, during this time the McDonald’s was still at Plaza and serving up food all night. With a glint in my eye, I shamelessly asked Aquarius if he could hook me and my friends up with the McDonald’s cookie tote and some fries. Aquarius immediately smirked, like he recognized we were going to be a fun group to know, and started to turn towards the food area while ushering us to follow.
We eagerly followed our new best friend to the counter of the golden arches and proceeded to order. While waiting for our food we began to chitchat and of course we tipped Aquarius for bringing us to go get food. In more recent years, Aquarius would always like to tell other guests and coworkers alike this story, taking much joy in the fact that we tipped him way more than the McDonald’s would have cost us outright. (To be fair, and to serve as an example of the type of man he was, I want the record to show, Q did try to decline the tip.)
Over time, I have been fortunate enough to build upon that first demand for cookies into a real friendship. I can’t deny that came thanks to some gentle coaxing from Aquarius and the rest of the team. You see, I didn’t used to be so sure of myself when it came to gaming. At first, when I would visit Plaza, I wasn’t sure what the protocol was for hosted players. I wasn’t sure if I should stop in to say “hi” but I was sure I didn’t want to annoy anyone with my presence. Instead of popping into the office, I would just start playing and if I saw someone I knew great, if not, they must be busy. That philosophy did not fly with Q.
He caught me red-handed one day, probably pounding $5 spins on Dollar Storm, and playfully demanded to know why I didn’t tell them I was there. From that point on, I always made sure to swing by, perhaps grab a drink, and catch him up on anything new.
One of the earlier times that Aquarius stopped to talk with me while I was out on the floor, I was in the middle of taking a picture with the original “flat Brian” to send to the real Brian. I was standing next to the cutout, proclaiming that it was very short.
Q questioned why I was so emphatically calling flat Brian short. Instead of giving Aquarius the contextual information he was probably after, I simply stated “Brian is taller than that.” Back then, not that many people would be so sure about Brian’s height, so Aquarius asked if I knew him. I explained that I had already welcomed Brian to my property (at the time) a couple of times.
Because of interactions like that one, and seeing me at various Rudie events over the years, every so often, Aquarius would always ask if I was working for Brian yet. When I first started writing for Flip The Switch, Q seemed sincerely happy for me like he was for everyone when they unlocked a new chapter in life.
When I moved away from Vegas, catching up with Aquarius became even more of a Vegas ritual and part of the trip I always looked forward to. When people ask me why out of all the places I could stay in Vegas, why I chose Plaza, I always answer with “the people.”
Aquarius was a big part of what made the property feel like home to myself and so many others. Q gave the property’s furnace a run for its money, heating up any room with his warm personality, quick humor, megawatt smile, and fresh threads.
Please keep those lucky enough to know Aquarius in your thoughts, especially his family. Vegas will never be the same.
With only a handful of interactions with”Q” ( he was my casino host at Plaza), I immediately knew that he was special. He was personable and wrote me a special text when I had to cancel my stay because of personal family issues last year. He will be missed. Thank you CC for your Q McDonald’s story! He will always be remembered whenever I enter the doors at the Plaza.
Thanks for sharing your own memories! Q was quite personable and ever present. He will be missed!
Q was an exceptional human & host. His zest for life was so refreshing. He was not only my host but my friend as well. A smile that would light up a room, great sense of humor and just a genuine soul. The Plaza will never be the same without him. I’m completely heartbroken for his beautiful wife, Rachel and his family. Next time in Vegas, I’ll enjoy a Q Fashion in his honor. For those who don’t know, it’s his signature cocktail.
Wonderful memories Adriene – we appreciate you sharing them. We’re going to miss him greatly.