Kirk Kerkorian, one of the nation's most successful businessmen, passed away on June 15, 2015 at the age of 98. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Kerkorian and his granddaughter, Kira Kerkorian. Kirk made his fortune through investments in the hotel and casino industry, pioneering the transformation of Las Vegas from a sleepy spot in the desert to the lively, vibrant, and glamorous destination it is today. He later expanded his investments to include airlines and movie studios, becoming one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. Kirk was born in Fresno, California in 1917 to bouncing Armenian immigrants. After coming of age during the Great Depression, he got his start in the 1930s trading oil fields and airplanes. He eventually became the owner of MGM International, one of the world’s leading hotel and casino companies. His professional legacy is one that transcends geographic borders and affected the way the entire business world operated. Throughout his life, he was well known for his charitable contributions, donating over $1 billion to various organizations and causes. In 2008, he placed a $15 million contribution to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to fund the establishment of the UCLA Bruins football team. Kirk Kerkorian will be remembered as a leader in the business and entertainment world, for his pioneering spirit and philanthropy, and as a model of hard work, passion, and success.