Broken wand: Kevin George

We were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of Kevin George.

From Legacy:

GEORGE, Kevin William
1946 ~ 2014

GEORGE, Kevin William

GEORGE, Kevin William
1946 ~ 2014 

It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin George announce his passing on May 4, 2014. Leaving behind is his mother Henrietta, son Ryan and his family, brother Kerry and his family.  

Read more.

From the Edmonton Journal:

EDMONTON - Wanda Karstens met Kevin George when she was a mall rat at Bonnie Doon and he, the head of security and the object of Karstens’ teenage crush.
George was a compassionate man, even at age 23, Karstens said: hard on shoplifters and drug dealers, but fair and friendly to mall rats like herself, arranging for an empty store front to become a teen centre.

George remained in the security world, eventually opening his own security firm and training guards, correctional officers and jail riot squads, but also training dogs to track criminals, and to find missing people as part of Alberta’s first Search and Rescue team.

Read more. 

The following will run in the December issue of the Linking Ring:

KEVIN W. GEORGE

Recently the I.B.M. headquarters learned that Kevin William George, 67, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, died May 4, 2014 from a massive stroke, after several heart attacks and problems with diabetes. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1994-2013). He was a member of Ring 28 (Edmonton). He developed a love for dogs and helping other people in his youth, which led to his life’s work. He opened his own security firm, training guards, correctional officers, and jail riot squads, as well as training dogs to track criminals and search and rescue dogs to find missing persons in storm-damaged sites. His animal-training skills even led him to train the elephant at the Edmonton Zoo. He used magic throughout his life, both to teach and to lighten tense situations. In addition to magic, other interests and skills included ju-jitsu (including teaching self-defense classes for women), conga drums (in bands), and rodeo clowning. Survivors include his mother, Henrietta; brother, Kerry; son, Ryan and his family; and granddaughter, Carmen.    

Broken wand: Alfred Spence

From IBM Ring 92:

Alf died peacefully, following a courageous battle with cancer, on June 23, 2014. Beset by polio three months after his birth in 1925, and dependent on leg braces until his eighth year, Alf never complained for himself, and was a pillar of moral strength and physical determination for every one of his full and active 89 years. He always credited this fortune to his mother Annie Spence’s effort and encouragement, and to the Freemasons’ financial support for his 13 childhood operations.

Alf’s first love and concern was his family: wife Joyce (nee Morgan), whom he cherished for 64 years, and his children Gary (Ana), Lea MacKenzie (Ross), and Vanda (Guy). Alf’s
grandchildren were his pride and joy: Ryan MacKenzie, Shannon Hickey, Kaytlyn MacKenzie, Samantha Brown, Benjamin Brown, Damian Spence and Jason Spence. Shannon gave Alf his only great-grandchild Isla, days before his death, bringing him great happiness.

Read more.

From Legacy:

SPENCE, Alfred (Alf)
May 5, 1925 - June 23, 2014

Alf succumbed to cancer on June 23. Beset by polio three months after his birth in 1925, and dependent on leg braces until his eighth year, Alf never complained. He was always grateful for the Freemasons' financial support for his 13 childhood operations. Alf's first love and concern was his family: wife Joyce, whom he cherished for 64 years, and his children Gary (Ana), Lea (Ross), and Vanda (Guy). Alf's grandchildren were his pride and joy: Ryan, Shannon, Kaytlyn, Samantha, Benjamin, Damian, Jason and great-grandchild, Isla. Alf worked in the radio broadcasting industry in his home town of Vancouver from age 14 during WWII. Afterwards he went to Toronto and began his career at the CBC where he met Joyce.

Read more.

Broken wand: Phil Willmarth

This just in from Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring.  While I can't conjure up a Canadian connection, I expect many of you knew Phil.  In my brief dealings with Phil, he was always friendly and helpful.  My thoughts are with his family.

BROKEN WAND: PHILIP R. WILLMARTH 

Philip Reed Willmarth, 83, of Durham, North Carolina, died September 16, 2014. He was International President of the I.B.M. 2007-08, and prior to that was Assistant Editor for fourteen years (1978-1992) and Executive Editor for fifteen years (1992-2007), of The Linking Ring. He was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield (thirty-five years a continuous member of the I.B.M.). He also was a member of Ring 199 (Raleigh, North Carolina), Ring 326 (Burbank-Glendale-Eagle Rock-Pasadena, California), Ring 2100 (The Universe), the Society of American Magicians, and the Magic Circle (MIMC with Gold Star). Born in Pennsylvania, his father gave him a magic book by Will Lindhorst and that hooked him on magic for life. He owned a marketing research company and performed as a part-time professional magician since 1959. He also was a popular emcee and lecturer throughout the country. He was author of several books and booklets, including “The Magic of Matt Schulien” (1959), “Fun With a Handershief” (1969), “The Ring and Rope Book” (1975), “Jim Ryan Close-up” ( Four volumes, 1980-81), “Trevor Lewis ESOLC” (1981), “The Knot Collector” (1989), and “The Impostress Princess Expanded” (2011). He also published several books by other authors. Among survivors are his wife, Robbie; his children, Janet and John; and her children, Eldridge and Lelia, and their families.   

Broken wand: David Allan Smith

We were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of David Allan Smith.

From Your Life Moments:

SMITH, David Allan (Al) - 1924 - 2013 Died peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Extendicare Mapleview. He was a Second World War Veteran. Beloved husband of Joan. Predeceased by his sister-in-law Gwen Brighty. Caring father of Pat, Garr (Mary) and Wendy Piper (Jeff). "Pop" to Stephen Smith (Lorraine), Marnie (fiance Andy), Mitch and Bren Piper. Great grandfather of Spencer Smith. "Uncle Smit" to John Brighty (Lori Johnson), Sue Brown (Doug) and Kevin Brighty. For many years he was a dedicated member of Kiwanis, holding several positions including Lieutenant Governor. In recent years, he enjoyed the fellowship of his former Kiwanians at their regular Tuesday lunches at Reggies. He was very proud of the fact that he was a Kiwanian as well as a honourary Rotarian. He was a long time Rotary judge at the Community Day Parade and he was heavily involved in the Musical Comedy Guild designing and constructing sets. He had a fascination with magic and performed at numerous shows. 

Read more.

Broken wand: Bob Johnston

From Ring 17:

We are sad to report the passing of one of our members, Bob Johnston. Bob was a member briefly, joining in 2011, and attended meetings occasionally when his schedule permitted. He passed away May 12 following a heart attack. The club sends its sincere condolences to his wife, Debbie. 

Read more.

From Legacy:

JOHNSTON, Bob - Suddenly at home on Monday, May 12, 2014 at the age of 57. Bob, beloved husband of Debbie for 35 years. Cherished son of Margaret and the late Johnny and treasured son-in-law of Ila and the late Jack Ellison. Dear brother of Gary. Bob will be sadly missed by family members, countless friends and much loved pets. 

Read more. 

Broken wands: John Bierma and Donald McCulloch

Dear readers:

If any of you have any information on the passing of:

• John Bierma, from Oshawa, Ontario

or

• Donald McCulloch, from Victoria, B.C.

would you please let me know in the comments below or by e-mail.

Dennis Schick of the Linking Ring passed these names along to me.  However, neither of us have any information about them, including their date of passing.

Thank you, as always, for your attention.

Remembering Jack Bateman

On February 19th, I reported on the passing of Jack Bateman.  On March 3rd, Ring 17 sent an e-mail with recollections of Jack by Dick Joiner.  I'm republishing them here, with Dick's permission.

Recollections by past president, Dick Joiner:

Jack L. Bateman, 95, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, died February 17, 2014, in a local hospital. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1945-1965), and Ring 17 (Toronto).

He became interested in magic as a schoolboy after watching a performance by magician "Laurante," and magic became a passion the rest of his life. He always carried props in his pockets so he could practice wherever he went. In his youth he developed his comedic talents and an illusion show, featuring his own versions of a "sub trunk" and "cut the lady in six." He invented many tricks, some still on the market, such as "Rub-a-dub-dub," featured on a Bill Malone video.

He also was a teacher of magic; one of his pupils was Doug Henning. He was the Technical Supervisor for Outside Broadcasts for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He developed the first mobile television broadcast units for the CBC.

When he died in the hospital, there was a paddle at his bedside, no doubt to entertain the nurses.

Broken wand: Sandy Gregory

From The New Brunswick Beacon:

Alexander Payson (Sandy) Gregory, former Saint John city councillor, died on Tuesday of natural causes in the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was 91.

Most commonly known as Sandy, he was a man that wore many hats. If he wasn’t serving the city through council he was putting on a magic show, or becoming the founder of a scuba diving club.

Read more.

From Brenan's:

Alexander Payson "Sandy" Gregory of Rothesay, husband of Mildred A. (Monteith) Gregory, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  Born in Saint John on March 10, 1923, he was a son of the late Hugh and Elsa (Payson) Gregory. 

Read more.

From In Memoriam:

GREGORY, ALEXANDER “SANDY” – Alexander Payson “Sandy” Gregory of Rothesay, husband of Mildred A. (Monteith) Gregory, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on March 10, 1923, he was a son of the late Hugh and Elsa (Payson) Gregory. Sandy was a graduate of Rothesay Collegiate School and the University of New Brunswick.

Read more.

[via The Puppet Lady]

Broken wand: W. Doug Hobbs

From The Star:

DOUG HOBBS Peacefully with his family by his side at the Hamilton General Hospital on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the age of 68 years. Loving husband and best friend of Nannette (Bambi) for 47 years. Devoted father of Shari and her husband Ben Diamond of Winnipeg and Tammi and Tim Tyler of St. Catharines. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Laurie, Jessica, Megan, Ethan and Madison. He is survived by his sister Ginny Huebsch. He is predeceased by his daughter Laurie (1976). Doug was a broadcaster/sport director for many years for CKTB Radio, the voice of the Baby Blue Jays, Official Scorekeeper for the Toronto Blue Jays for many years, a lifetime member for the Order of Magicians, as well as an avid swimmer and a collector and lover of music.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 94, #2, February 2014]

Broken wand: Jack Bateman

I'll post more details as they become available to me.

From the IBM Ring 17 Facebook page:

I am sorry to report the passing of an old ring 17 member. Mr. Jack Bateman, also known as the Wacky Wizard, passed away last Monday evening at Scarborough General Hospital. A good friend, a great mentor, and always inventing new ways to display his magic. R.I.P. Jack. You will be missed

Broken wand: Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels)

Updated February 15th to add obituary information.  From Obits for Life:

Stage Name: Brian Michaels
Bravely at the Toronto General Hospital on Friday February 7, 2014. Brian Moynagh in his 40th year, beloved husband of Carrie Lamers, loved and devoted father of Sydney. Loving son of Jackie and Ray Moynagh and dear brother of Alison (Jay) Macmillan. Brian will be sadly missed by his grandmother, Audrey Wiecha, and his mother and father in law, Mary and John Lamers. Brian joins in heaven his grandparents, Bridget (Bea) and Ambrose Moynagh and Jack Wiecha. Brian will also be missed by many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Brian performed his magic and illusions from coast to coast in Canada and Internationally. He touched and wowed thousands of people with his talent, his personality, his wit and his values. A CELEBRATION OF BRIAN’S LIFE will take place on Sunday February 16, 2014 at 2 pm (doors open at 1:30) at the OE Banquet & Conference Centre, 2245 Speers Rd, Oakville ON. 

Read more.

Updated February 11th to add a link to an article about Brian from Inside Halton, "Illusionist recovering from dose of reality "Double lung transplant recipient Brian Michaels returning to the stage after nearly succumbing to cystic fibrosis."

Tweets of remembrance have been added to the bottom of this post.


From Owen Anderson:

Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels)
March 28, 1974 - February 7, 2014

Beloved Husband of Carrie, Father of Sydney, Son of Ray & Jackie, Brother of Alison
Forever in our hearts.....

Please join us on Sunday February 16, 2014 @ 2:00 pm
Doors open @ 1:30 pm
Reception to follow with light refreshments

OE Banquet & Conference Centre
2245 Speers Road
Oakville, Ontario L6L 6X8
http://www.oebanquet.com/contact-us.html

In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up in Sydney's name. Donations can be made at any RBC branch or via internet banking to account # 00712-5117429.

If you have photos or stories or would like to share at the memorial, please contact Carrie Lamers at memorialforbrian@gmail.com

From Peter Mennie:

@canadasmagic Magician Brian Michaels died Feb 7 Recep: Feb 16 @ 2pm Doors @ 1:30 http://t.co/Rpek4JmyM5 memorialforbrian@gmail.com
— Peter Mennie (@petermennie) February 10, 2014

R.I.P. magic friend since he was a kid Brian Moynagh (Stage name: Brian Michaels) March 28, 1974 - February 7, 2014. Too soon.
— Owen Anderson (@OwenTAnderson) February 10, 2014

So sad to hear of the passing of friend and fellow magician Brian Michaels. Definitely one of the good guys...
— Murray Hatfield (@MurrayHatfield) February 10, 2014

Broken wand: William (Bill) Eliason

From The Vancouver Sun:

William (Bill) Eliason February 19, 1932 - October 10,2013 Born in Saskatoon Sask, the youngest of 5 children, Bill grew up in Vancouver and graduated from King Edward High School. In his teen years, Bill took up the art of magic, performing as 'Eli the magician'. This led to other areas and friendships in show business. A natural entertainer and storyteller, Bill went on to excel at producing and promoting a wide variety of show. He was a member of the Backstage Club, the Vancouver Magic Circle and was inducted into the IBM's Order of Merlin.

Read more.

You can also read more about Bill on page 6 of the Vancouver Magic Circle January 2014 newsletter.

In memoriam

Update February 19th, 2014 to include:

• Eliason, William (Bill) (1932- 2013) and
• Hobbs, Doug ( - 2013)

Updated at 9:16 to include:

• Crazy Frank's / Tony's / Murray's Trick and Joke shop (197x - 2013)
• Morrissey Magic (1959 - 2013)

• Barna, Robert ( - 2013)
• Black, Harold ( - 2013)
• Campbell, Floyd (1921 - 2013)
• Cheng, Luis ( - 2013)
• Eliason, William (Bill) (1932- 2013)
• Feldman, Stuart ( - 2013)
• Harper, Blain (1972-2013)
• Hobbs, Doug ( - 2013)
• Kerr, Danny (1943  - 2013)
• Kramer, Greg (1962 - 2013)
• MacKenzie, Munro (1923 - 2013)
• Massecar, Raymond (1925 - 2013)
• Miedzianowski, Leonard aka Nemo Turner (1951-2013)
• Parker, Raymond (1929 - 2013)
• Peterson, Charles ( - 2013)
• Philip, Andrew ( - 2013)
• Reveen, Peter James (1935-2013)
• Talbi, Mehdi ( - 2013)

Broken wand: Floyd Campbell

From Telford's Burial and Cremation:

Floyd Jackson Campbell
(August 20, 1921 - June 10, 2013)

Passed away in Nanaimo General Hospital on June 10, 2013.

He is survived by his family: three sons, two daughters and their families.

Floyd will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Read more.

Broken wand: Harold Black

From the Ring 17 newsletter:

We are sad to report the passing of one of our members, Harold Black, passed away Wednesday at the age of 89. He joined the club in 1949 (as reported in the Linking Ring by then secretary Bruce Posgate.) He was a lifetime member, who as the club librarian and was the president in 1974-75. While health concerns kept him from attending club meetings in recent years, he was actively involved in the magic community in Toronto and performed as a magician and a clown for decades.

Read more.

From The Star:

BLACK, Harold E. (Buster) - Past Patron, Eastern Star (Scarborough Chapter 231), Masonic Lodge (Coronati 520), IOF (Court Futura), Hat & Rabbit Association - Linking Ring 17 (Kambla the Magician), Circus Fans Association (Buster the Clown), CN Railway - 37 years service (Blackie). After a recent leg amputation, at the age of 89 Harold peacefully passed away at Scarborough General Hospital on November 20, 2013 with his loving family by his side.  

Read more.

Broken wand: Gilles Fontaine

From Magician.org:

J.L. GILLES FONTAINE

The I.B.M. Headquarters recently was notified that J.L. Gilles Fontaine, 86, of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, died September 19, 2012. Born in Quebec City, he was the son of a banker, and became one himself. At age ten he saw a performance by Harry Blackstone, Sr. and it inspired him to take up magic as a hobby, collecting magic books, subscribing to magic magazines, and practicing for hours. He became "Gilles the Magician," and performed for children and senior citizens whenever and wherever he could. He even taught magic at a local elementary school.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #10, October 2013]

Broken wand: Robert Barna

From Henry Walser:

Barna, Robert A (Barney):

Robert Alexander Barna passed away peacefully on Thursday September 5th, 2013 in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 54.

Barney was a gifted magician entertaining many with Merlin at birthday parties, special events, local restaurants sharing his charm and wit through his mystifying card tricks and illusions.
He is survived by his children, Jaryd and Jacklyn and their mother Karen, his parents Eugene and Marie of Leamington, his siblings: Peter (Jeannine), Jean (Kip Brown), Paul, David (Joanne), Terry (Sharon), Kevin, Debbie (Bob Richardson).

Read more.

There is also a nice rememberance in the most recent issue of the CAM publication, Northern Peeks on page 19 "The Final Curtain."

Broken wand: Ray Parker

From the Times Colonist:

PARKER, Raymond May 25, 1929 - July 15, 2013 Ray passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospice, surrounded by his family. Born in Wolverhampton, England, Ray, a noted entertainer, performed his first show at the age of eleven as a puppeteer. He soon expanded his skills to include acting, clowning, mime, dance, singing, and stand-up comedy. At the age of eighteen, while in the British armed forces, he performed in East Africa, while serving as a Royal Engineer. During this time, he developed an impersonation act, which led to theatre, BBC television, and radio engagements. In 1965, Ray and his young family immigrated to Canada, where his career continued to flourish. Ray's acts included his children as a family of clowns, performing vaudevillian slapstick comedy. At the age of 50, Ray fell in love with magic, and thrilled his audiences with yet another dazzling talent.


Read more.

“@canadasmagic: Broken wand: Ray Parker http://t.co/smzm4jYzek”. will be greatly missed.
— Brian Matlin (@bmat10) September 30, 2013

Broken wand: Daniel McIlroy

From Obits for Life:

DANIEL ROBERT McILROY (Retired TTC Driver, Member of Bobcaygeon Baseball and Dunsford Food Bank volunteer) Entered into rest suddenly on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Dan was the beloved husband of the late Rose Ann (nee Carter). Loving father of Robbyn (Terry Moore), John (Dorothy), Donald (Nuala), Kimberly, and David. The loved uncle of Edgar "Eddie" Tonna. Dear companion of Shirley Read. Adored grandfather of Krystal Rose, Kati (Lauren Hassard), Devlin, Hilary, Shane, Monica, Michael, and Jack. Cherished great grandfather of Camdyn, Caleb, and Grace. Predeceased by his sister Irene. He was a chivalrous gentleman, a magician, a family man, who always had a fantastic story or joke to tell. He loved the theater, symphony, crosswords, old movies, sports and relaxing with his family at the cottage. He was notorious for showering his grandchildren with toys and cookies.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #8, August 2013]

Broken wand: Danny Kerr

We were notified by Dennis Schick, the editor of the Broken Wand in the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring, of the passing of Danny Kerr.

A broken wand ceremony will be conducted privately by the Edmonton Fellowship of Magicians in August 2013.


From The Edmonton Journal:

KERR, Danny Stephen

Our beloved Danny passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on July 27, 2013.

He was born August 23, 1943 to Nettie and Roy Kerr. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Victoria Armstrong, siblings Joe (Karen) Kerr and Lynda (John) Williams, stepdaughters Willow (Jonathan) Schnell and Heather (Michael) Hanrahan, and grandchildren Benjamin Schnell, Samuel Schnell and Abigail Hanrahan.

A Celebration of Danny's Life will be held at St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive, St. Albert, Alberta on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., with Rev James Ravenscroft officiating.

Read more.