Updated November 16th:
We were just informed of the recent passing of Mark Wicken. Mark was a member of Toronto's IBM Ring 17.
Our sincere condolences to Mark's family and friends at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to Garnett's wife Denise, his family, and his friends at this difficult
time.
From Remembering.ca:
Born on May 8, 1931 in Winnipeg, MB to James E and Celenna Millard. He passed away on August 14, 2024 in Edmonton, AB. He is survived by his wife, Denise Millard, and was predeceased by his first wife, Gwen, and second wife, Xenia. He is also survived by their children, Karen and Lisa Millard, and Michael Millard. In addition, he is survived by his step-children Luranne Miller, Nancy Nix, Robert, Timothy, and Philip Stockley, and Nicola Watson, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
From the October 17th
Facebook post by Kent Wong:
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of getting to know Garnett Millard, an extremely enthusiastic hobbyist magician. We spent time together, honing some of his acts before he would head south to Palm Desert for the winters. While there, he and other members of their local magic club would regale each other with various tricks and partake in free lectures from visiting magicians. He really seemed to love it down there.
Our sincere condolences to Ted's wife Linda, his family, and his friends at this difficult
time.
Visit the "tribute wall" for Ted at Aftercare.org
From the IBM Ring 17 Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club September 29th newsletter:
Long time Hat and Rabbit Club member Ted Harding, "The Magic Man," passed away at age 85 on July 10, 2024.
Richard “Ted” Harding, affectionately known as the "Magic Man" for his unique ability to blend his love of magic with his deep knowledge of the carpet and floor cleaning industry, passed away peacefully on July 10th 2024 at Sunnybrook Hospital surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ted's journey in the industry began with a simple vision: to revolutionize the way we think about cleaning carpets and floors. With a wand in one hand and a cleaning tool in the other, Ted brought a touch of enchantment to every demonstration, captivating audiences with his seamless integration of magic and professional expertise.
As the founding member of Kleen Kuip Supply Mart Inc., Ted's innovative spirit and dedication to excellence set the foundation for a company that prides itself on integrity, quality, and customer service. His passion was not just in the products he developed and sold, but in the countless hours he spent mentoring others, sharing his wealth of knowledge with anyone eager to learn.
Outside of his professional life, Ted was a beloved family man, and an extraordinary individual who touched the hearts of many. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, innovation, and a magical touch that will be sorely missed.
On the tribute wall Ray Anderson wrote of his friend that Ted had an Elvis type voice, amazing stories and was respected as both a businessman and a magician.
Jeff Pinsky wrote that Ted was a customer of the Browsers Den for over 40 years and was a true gentleman and a pleasure to serve.
Ted is survived by his wife Linda of 39 years and three children
His celebration of life was “A Magical Affair” with the theme being magic.
Ted Harding's magic lives on in the memories he created and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, as we honor the remarkable life of a truly extraordinary man.
“Love is magic, pure and sweet
For it alone makes life complete
And when there’s something hearts would say
Love, like magic, shows the way”
Our sincere condolences to John's wife Johanna, his family, and his friends at this difficult
time.
From the Wall-Custance Funeral Home:
Buitendyk, Johannes (John)
With many interests, his longest and deepest interest was magic. For many years, as a side hobby, John performed as “Arkello” the Magician, for kids birthday parties, Corporate family events, at Magic conventions, and as a Guelph Shriner in his earlier years he performed magic and as a clown making balloon animals. John was a longstanding member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians for over 40 years, and as a member of the Guelph Masonic Lodge and the Kitchener and Hamilton Magic Clubs.
Thank you to the support and efforts of Dr. Madani, Dr. Glick, Dr. Molckovsky and all the support staff and nurses at Grand River Cancer Center, St. Mary’s and Guelph General Hospitals.
Forever in our hearts, he will be dearly missed.
Cremation has taken place, with a memorial service being held on Friday, July 26, 2024
We were recently informed of the recent passing of Edward “Ed” van Oorschot, member of the Magic Circle of Saint John.
From the Fundy Funeral Home:
It seems Ed was always learning new skills. He learned to scuba dive, play the fiddle, and make cedar strip canoes. He renovated an old school bus into a “mobile” home, which took 11 of us all the way to Regina. Ed had so much fun with magic. He loved to learn new tricks, and entertain others with his sleight of hand. The Magic Circle was special to him, and he looked forward to seeing his fellow magicians at the monthly meetings.
Ed loved to fish, and would take his kids out with him. But no way would he put the worms on for us – if we wanted to fish, we had to do it all! We had 4-season fires on the beach, cooking hot dogs and roasting potatoes. He took us wilderness camping on many occasions.
Ed’s heart knew no borders. He and Eke volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico for 6 months, where they were able to use their skills to teach woodworking and sewing. They also spent several months at Harvest House in Saskatchewan providing support to this community. These experiences abroad enriched his understanding of humanity and fueled his commitment to service.
In recognition of his great service to his community, Ed received the Order of New Brunswick in 2018. And in 2023, he received the Queen’s Jubilee award. So well deserved!!!
Our sincere condolences to Edward's wife Eke, his family, and his friends at this difficult time.
Many of you may remember that David created and ran the Kingston Magic Theatre. He was a friend to the blog, and we've heard from our readers that he was extremely talented.
Our sincere condolences to David's wife Lindsey, their two children, and their extended family and friends at this difficult time.
From Tribute Archive:
The world is left with a little less magic as we announce the passing of David William Johnson, an incredible husband, loving father, brother, son, uncle, dear friend, magician and soldier.
David was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a remarkable Magician at Kingston Magic Theatre and all over eastern Ontario and the world.
David lived his life to the fullest every day with no regret, and encouraged those around him to do the same. David brought astonishment and wonder to others with a deck of Bicycle playing cards and his ability to make a connection with anyone through a sense of shared wonder. David was rarely seen without cards in his hands, and although he was Sgt Johnson, most referred to him as the Magic Man.
David was a wonderful, loving husband and father who cherished his family. He will always and forever be loved and missed by his beloved wife of 16 years Lindsey and their two beautiful children Nicholas and Katie. David was predeceased by his father David Ricardo Kellar (Debra), mother-in-law Elizabeth Hamilton (Reginald), and brother Byron Grant Kellar (Jenni). David will fondly be remembered by his mother Margaret Lutes (John) and siblings Lucas Kellar (Nicole), Satara (Kid) Stephens (Johnny), Lance Kellar (Leah), father-in-law Bruce Black (Sandi), sister-in-law Vanessa Black, and brother-in-law Chad Hamilton (Kaitlyn). David’s many nieces and nephews will always remember the enchantment that their uncle David shared through magic tricks and the family gatherings that always included HOTDOGS on the bbq and pepperoni pizza.
David passed away at Kingston General Hospital with Lindsey by his side, on Friday May 24th, 2024 at the age of 47 after a short battle with cancer that did not allow any mercy
In loving memory of David, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Veterans and Everyday Heroes First Responders (DONATIONS for our initiatives can be e-transferred to donations@v-eh.ca or by scanning the QR Code on their website under sponsorship) would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements in the care of Wartman Funeral Home - Kingston
[With thanks to Ian Crawford for letting us know.]
We were just informed of the recent passing of former Reverend, psychologist, and magician, John McLachlan.
Our sincere condolences to John's family and friends at this difficult time.
From the January 6th Facebook post by Matt DiSero:
Heartbroken to hear we lost John McLachlan. I haven’t seen him since I lived in the annex area of Toronto, when I’d often go over to his condo for his magic meetings and drinks. So kind and generous. When I was in grade 9 doing magic I didn’t really hang with any magicians save for Dennis Rosso here in Brampton. I’d managed to get a gig at Ruben and Wongs and John came in one night and seemed to take an interest in what I was doing with the magic. He’d often invite me to Brampton hospital where he worked as a psychologist and he’d show me old magic effects and tell me stories of the 4F magic convention, where the best magicians gathered, all tbat in his cool office in the hospital. He regularly lent me books and props and he was a real influence early on. Always supportive and seemed especially happy when I decided to do magic full time. John was one of the good guys, the best of the older crew that always liked to help out, and help me.
Man, I greatly lament not seeing him more often of recent times. A failing on my part. A reminder that we all should stay in touch with people, especially as they get older.
RIP John, and thank you for all the help and encouragement along the way, early on, when it was needed most.
Updated November 27th to add:
Updated November 24th to add:
We were just informed of the recent passing of Micky Hades.
Our sincere condolences to Micky's family and friends at this difficult time.
From the November 17th Facebook post by Brent Smith:
My Dear long friend and teacher past away Micky Hades. He was 98 and a giant among mere mortals and for the people who never took the time to know him don’t know what the magic communtiy just lost. I’m not in shock but saddened …. damn I’ll miss the stories this guy had . He did more for magic than most people ever will … Including me
From the November 17th Facebook post by Scott McClelland:
Today, one of the most important people in Magic passed away. The Great Micky Hades.
Micky Hades was an innovator in magic, creating new and exciting ideas in illusion and mentalism. He built Reveen's Illusion Show and also some of Doug Hennings magic seen on TV.
Apart from that, Micky Hades had the largest publishing company of Mentalism books in the world. And he mentored some of the finest magicians in the country, including Dale Harney, Murray Hatfield and John Kaplan.
I was introduced to Micky at the 1977 International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention by my grandfather. 2 years later, I got my first job collating and printing many of Micky's publications. When I was 17 he asked me to illustrate two books for him, on a book on Key Bending and another a Magic Illusion catalogue.
Micky also wrote articles in the Linking Ring Magazine (a magic magazine) and had his own special periodical called the Hade-Gram.
One of the things back in the 70's and 80's all the magicians looked forward to was the Micky Hades Fun and Film Festival.
Micky was one of the most influential magicians in the magic community and a great supporter of new upcoming talent.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Micky for over 45 years and my life has been enriched with his wonderful friendship and knowledge, a true Showman and Magi and someone I will never forget.
I love you Micky like a grandfather, and I am so glad that we lived in the same time period of history to know each other, you will be missed.
Rest now Micky, fore you worked every day of your life.
An inspiration to us all.
Updated November 15th with the following from Ralph's family (via Gary Wiseman, thank you Gary):
Ralph Douglas Wright
1935-2023
Ralph passed away peacefully with his wife Margaret at his side on October 20th, 2023 at the age of 88 years old in Peterborough, Ont.
Survived by his wife, Margaret, two sons Steven and David, daughter Cindy, and granddaughter Sarah.
Ralph had many interests, he loved Magic and was delighted in entertaining family and friends. He was past president of The Hat and Rabbit club Toronto, A member since 1976.
He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
He will be missed and remembered very much by his family and friends.
We were just informed of the recent passing of Ring 17 member Ralph Wright.
We will always remember Ralph for his friendly greetings and encouraging words about whatever project we brought to share with the club.
We will update this post as more information becomes available.
Our sincere condolences to Ralph's family and friends at this difficult time.
Updated October 24th to add:
Updated October 7th to add:
Today's post by Brian Glow at the Magic Club of Winnipeg Facebook group informs us of the recent passing of Dr. Joseph Kaufert.
Thank you to Mike Likey for sharing the news with us.
We will update this post as more information becomes available.
Our sincere condolences to Dr. Kaufert's family and friends at this difficult time.
From the October 3rd Facebook post by James Carey Lauder:
From the October 3rd Facebook post by the Majick Mike Likey Fan Club:
The magic world mourns the loss today, of Winnipeg's Dr. Joe Kaufert. I'm still in shock and saddened by his loss. With his quick wit and a glint in his eye, I'm sure that he's still performing his Chinese Sticks, Flexible Mirror, and Inexhaustible Salt Pour on that Great Stage in the sky.
Our sincere condolences to Jon's family and friends at this impossible time.
From the September 9th Edmonton Journal:
CHAMBERLAIN, Charles Robert "Chas"
also known as JON CHARLES, Magician
1936-2023
Chas was born and raised in London, England. He took courses on time and motion study which eventually led him to a job at Westminster Hospital. This training and experience allowed him to emigrate to Canada in 1967 with then wife, Barbara, and their three young children, Martin, Andrew and Katherine, to take a position at the University of Alberta Hospital. He worked there in senior management until 1985. Throughout his life he pursued his personal passion, magic. He performed professionally as Jon Charles. As well as performing countless shows throughout Alberta, Jon entertained Canadian Armed Services troops stationed in such places as the Middle East, Cyprus and Alert, Nunavut. For many years Jon worked at the downtown Japanese Village restaurant, performing close up table magic for patrons. That is where he met his second wife, Sueno, and they were happily married in 2005.
Chas is survived by his wife, Sueno; brother, Rodney (Freda); son, Martin (Connie); daughter, Katherine (Alistair); daughter-in-law, Laurie; and his grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son, Andrew; and his parents, Charles and Katherine.
A private interment will be held at a later date.
Chas loved teaching magic to young magicians. A donation of a magic book or magic kit to Santa's Anonymous this Christmas would be a lovely tribute.To send condolences, please visit www.fostermcgarvey.com.
[via the Edmonton Magic Club public Facebook page]
Our sincere condolences to Ty and his family at this difficult time.
From Ty Reveen:
I’m very sad and heartbroken to announce that my mother Coral Reveen passed away today (August 23rd 2023).
It will take several days perhaps weeks before I gather my thoughts enough to tell her story, meanwhile I'm just going to post as many photos of her that I can find on my facebook.
My sincere love to everyone that was kind to her and admired her, she was one of the last standing Classical Magic Assistance from the 1950's. We'll miss her so much. I'm flying back to Las Vegas from Chicago where my dear friends Rick and Parker Lindsey have been treating me like a king for the past few days.
Our sincere condolences to Harvey's family and friends at this impossible time.
From Hebrew Basic Burial:
RAFT, Harvey - Passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Baycrest. Beloved husband of Patricia Mars-Raft. Loving father of Irving. Dear brother-in-law of Shep Trubkin. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 30th at 12:00 p.m. in the Kiever Podolier section of Bathurst Lawn Memorial Park 6033 Bathurst Street (north of Finch on the east side. Memorial donations may be made to Shaarei Tefillah Synagogue 416-787-1631 or to World Vision Canada www.worldvision.ca
[via David Lew]
Our sincere condolences to Paul's family and friends at this impossible time.
Updated April 29th to add:
Updated at 9:20am to add:
Kilshaw died Wednesday [April 19] after suffering a heart attack, his sister Catherine Dempsey said from her home in Newfoundland.
He was born on Aug. 4, 1962, in Grostenquin, France, where his father, who was in the air force, was stationed. The youngest of four, Kilshaw moved with his family to Ottawa then to Victoria when he was about six.
The family lived near Willows Beach and it was there that a young Kilshaw met a magician who started teaching him sleight of hand, Dempsey said.
“For the first few years, we sort of ignored him. You know, it was just a little boy doing stuff and then it kept on and the next thing we knew he was getting good,” Dempsey said.
Kilshaw worked at Tony’s Trick and Joke Shop, which has since closed, honing his craft.
Read more.
From the April 21st article "‘He was a gift’: Greater Victoria mourns loss of popular balloon, magic man" by Christine Vanreeuwy at the Vancouver Island Free Daily:
A familiar face with a fandom at any event he attended – pretty much all of them whether he was working or not – Kilshaw wowed Greater Victoria crowds for more than three decades
“We lost a great man. He was a gift,” said friend Kelly Kurta, also the executive director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society. “Paul was an in-person kind of guy. He’d show up at an event even just to say hello.”
Kilshaw caught the magic bug as a child and spent years honing the craft, travelling far and wide to study with the masters in this art.
Fondly called Paulie, Kilshaw was known for magic and balloons and was always looking for some new twist.
From CBC Radio One Vancouver (On The Island):
On The Island with Gregor Craigie - April 21, 2023: The island magician and balloon artist Paul Kilshaw died this week. His friend Phil Mansfield will share his legacy with us
You may remember that in 2016 Paul entertained Prince George and Princess Charlotte at a children’s party at Government House in Victoria. This lead to Paul being featured in a photo used for the Cambridge's Christmas card!
Some memories from the magic community:
In case you missed the sad news, Max Maven passed away on November 1st.
Our sincere condolences to Max's family and friends.
From the November 3rd post "A Legend" at Magicana:
Max Maven was a giant in the world of magic.
His love for this art. His devotion to creating exceptional magic. His passion for magic history. Max Maven will be remembered for many tremendous contributions. As a performer, as an educator, as a mentor, and as a colleague, Max Maven was incredibly special, to so many.
From the November 3rd Facebook post by Michael Close:
From the November 2nd Facebook post by David Acer:
From the November 2nd Facebook post by Alex Zander:
From the November 2nd Facebook post by Matt DiSero:
From the November 3rd Facebook post by FISM Québec 2022:
Our sincere condolences to Brydon's family and friends. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
From the Globe and Mail:
February 1, 1938 - July 19, 2022
His championing of Indigenous artists was a vital but lesser-known aspect of his career. Smith was honoured in 2014 with a Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts for his extraordinary contribution to the visual arts in Canada. Accomplished magician, generous and fun-loving host, eco-warrior, inventor of the Samuel Beckett Martini, margarita-maker par excellence, Brydon will live on in our memories not only for having made a lasting contribution to the arts in Canada and abroad but as a lover of life to its fullest. Donations may be made in his name to: The Canadian Wildlife Federation, The Alzheimer Society of Canada Research branch or the Dementia Society, Ottawa Renfrew. Celebrations of Brydon's life will be held in the coming months.
From the July 4th article "Canadian broadcasting legend Patrick Watson dead at 92" by Jackson Weaver at CBC News:
Watson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1981, and later promoted to Companion in 2001 for promoting "excellence in Canadian television and radio." He was also a longtime disability advocate after his leg was amputated below the knee in 1960, and served as honorary chair of the Canadian Amputee Sports Association and chairman emeritus of the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
He later became an accomplished pilot, wind-surfer, water-skiier, scuba diver and magician; he had a lifelong love for the craft, and was one of three founding members of Magicana, a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study of magic as a performing art.
From the July 4th Instagram post by Magicana:
With a heavy heart, we report that Magicana’s Chairman Emeritus, Patrick Watson, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2022, during his stay at his country home in Ontario. He was 92.
Patrick had a lifelong love for magic, having become smitten with the craft as a child after seeing Johnny Giordmaine demonstrate his wares behind the counter at Eaton’s department store. Patrick’s influence in the magic community extended to co-writing and directing several productions with David Ben, including The Conjuror, to commissioning and narrating documentaries about legendary Canadian magicians Dai Vernon and Stewart James; and to interviewing Johnny Thompson and Charles Reynolds about their lives and work in magic at Magicana’s 31 Faces North conferences.
From the Vancouver Sun and Province obituary at Remembering.ca:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our brother and uncle.He will be remembered by his brothers Gary and Ian, many nieces and nephews and special friends Evelin Dick and the Haddock family. David was a purchasing agent for Westinghouse and past president and 56 year member of Vancouver Magic Circle. Special thank you to the care providers at Royal Ascot who made his last days comfortable.
Read more.
[With thanks to Shawn Farquhar for sending us this information.]
From the Vancouver Sun and Province obituary at Remembering.ca:
Len Lauk passed away peacefully in North Vancouver, BC on October 30, 2020, one week shy of his 88th birthday.
...
Len had a gift for storytelling and had a steel trap memory for facts and details. He particularly loved reading history and had a large personal library. Len was passionate about music, particularly operas, classical music, and Broadway musicals. He was a longtime board member with both the VSO and the Vancouver Opera. Len was also very proud to be an amateur magician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Read more.
[With thanks to Shawn Farquhar for sending us this information.]
Our sincere condolences to Allan's family and
friends. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
From the September 20th post at Magicana:
On September 19, 2021, John Allan Slaight passed away peacefully, aged 90, at his home in Toronto. Born on July 19, 1931 in Galt, Ontario to John Edgar and Eileen Slaight, Allan soon made his mark, first, at 8 as a magician, and then, at 17 as a broadcaster, hosting a late night jazz program Spins and Needles in his new hometown of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. At 19, he married Ada Mitchell, moved to Edmonton, started a family, and jockeyed between local radio stations before becoming the News Director at CHED in 1953. In 1958, he relocated to Toronto and became the Program Director of CHUM, the fledgling rock and roll radio station. Thanks to Allan’s endless energy, intuitive grasp of programming, and extraordinary ability to inspire, CHUM soon set the standard for rock and roll radio in Canada, and abroad.
ALLAN SLAIGHT (1931-2021) With great sadness, we share the news that Allan Slaight passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto on September 19, 2021 with his beloved wife, Emmanuelle Gattuso, by his side. He was 90. https://t.co/wnIbCcgbGF pic.twitter.com/udRemSaELg
— Magicana (@sharingwonder) September 20, 2021
