Broken wand: Paul Bradshaw

From the Windsor Star:

BRADSHAW, Paul Tannahill

71 years. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul on April 26, 2015 with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Peggy Ann (nee MacInnes) for 45 years. Loving father to Lindsay Bradshaw and finace David Marchand, Kristin Bradshaw and Bob Hodge. Grampy to Thurston, Lauren and Scarlett. Dear brother to Blair and Gail Bradshaw and Peter and Linda Bradshaw. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Paul was fortunate to be a recipient of a Lung transplant and was an advocate for organ donation. He was a member of the Windsor Magic Circle and was known to many as Mr. Magic.

Read more.

With thanks to Dennis Schick from the IBM for sending this information along.

Broken wand: Richard Sequens

From Dennis Schick, of the International Brotherhood of Magician's magazine, The Linking Ring.

From Reynars:

Richard Sequens, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Monday, November 10, 2014 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 73 years. 

... 

Dick was a fabulous entertainer with his magic shows, card tricks, and coin tricks. He entertained children and adults alike. He travelled all over B.C. doing magic shows for ICBC, banks, children's functions and birthday parties. Dick also loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, boating, quading and just being out and about. He was also very active with home renovations and yard projects, until failing health slowed him down in September 2013.  

Read more including words from Richards' daughter Deborah.

Broken wand: Larry Silverman

Updated at 10:30am to add:

The editor of the Broken Wand in the IBM’s The Linking Ring would like to pay tribute Larry Silverman. If you know any information about him to include in the obituary (occupation, interest in magic, accomplishments, etc.), please send them to Dennis Schick at crylds [at] att [dot] net.

From the John Giordmaine tribute site:

We noted, with sadness, the passing of Larry Silverman on February 12th, 2015. He was 85. Former President of the long defunct Society of Canadian Magicians, Larry encouraged this site by sharing his rare video tape of the CBC TV "Telescope" tribute to Johnny; as well as allowing me to unearth back issues boxed up in his basement of the SCM's "Levitator" with key articles about Johnny. Our condolences to his family.

Read more.

From Legacy:

Peacefully in his 85th year and in the presence of his family on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at North York General Hospital. Beloved husband of the late Myrna Silverman (Greenberg) and best friend and companion of Betty Shannon. Loving father and father-in-law to Carol and Lori and David. Devoted and much adored grandfather to Jayme, Cory and Jesse. -

Read more.

With thanks to The Magic Demon for letting me know.

Broken wand: Eric Lenz

From Legacy:

LENZ, Eric
August 11, 1935 - March 6, 2015
On March 6, 2015 Eric Lenz passed away with his family by his side at his home, Rosewood Manor. Eric was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Albrecht and Cecelia Lenz. His three siblings, sister Joan and brothers Norman and Albrecht (Chub), predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Donna; his sons Michael (Trish) and Graham (Aya); grandsons Zachary and Spencer; nieces Heather, Adele, Laura, Joanne and nephew Albert as well as many good friends. Eric resided in Richmond in the South Arm area for over 40 years. Long-time neighbours benefited from his great sense of humour and the value that he placed on their friendship. On his regular walks through South Arm Park, he was always happy to stop for a friendly chat with anyone he met. Eric worked as a salesman in the housewares/china industry to support his loving family. Second to them, his passion was magic and he was never happier than when on stage performing. He was awarded the Order of Merlin from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and a Life-Time Membership in the Vancouver Magic Circle. For more than a decade he entertained thousands across the country with the Magic of Cooking show. As a magic teacher, he taught at the Vancouver Technical night school program for 28 years. Many of his students went on to join the Vancouver Magic Circle, making it the largest magic club in North America.

Read more.

From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:

Sorry to learn of the passing of another dear friend. Eric Lenz was an amazing man who did it all and loved every...
Posted by Shawn Farquhar on Saturday, 28 March 2015

Broken wand: Alexander Chervin

From Legacy:

CHERVIN, Alexander
Peacefully at home in his 101st year, on Sunday, March 22, 2015, surrounded by his family. Devoted husband of the late Edith Weinreb. Loving father and father-in-law of Ann and Justin Edwards, Michael Chervin, Nancy Chervin, Tamara (Tammy) and Steve Humphreys. Beloved "Papa" of Jasper, and Ian Edwards; Samantha, and Evan Fruchthandler; Jonah, and Samuel Humphreys. Dearest brother of the late Hyman Chervin; and brother-in-law of the late Betty and the late Jack Berman, the late Sadie and the late Sam Cramer, the late Sally and the late Ben Shenker.

Read more.

Read some of Phil Matlin's memories of Alex from the Perfect Magic Facebook page:

The first magic store I visited, somewhere around 1948, was Cramer's Magic Shop located on Bleury Street in downtown...
Posted by Perfect Magic on Tuesday, 24 March 2015

With thanks to Phil for letting me know.

Broken wand: Joseph Ward

From Legacy:

Joseph Andrew Ward April 4, 1932 - January 9, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Andrew Ward aka "Santa Joe". Joe was predeceased by his wife Oma, daughters Donna Lacey and Joanne Ward. He is survived by son Brent Ward (Nancy), daughter Bev Ward Young (Randy) and grandchildren Miles and Clint Lacey, Tara and Jaz Young and Hayley and Sami Ward. Joe was a Jack of all Trades, inventor and adventurer. At an early age he moved to Churchhill Manitoba where he became a fisherman and the proud owner of a dog sled team. Joe was a man of many talents; machinist, volunteer fireman, square dance caller, carpenter, prospector, magician and Santa to name a few.

Read more.

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.