Showing posts with label # broken wand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # broken wand. Show all posts

16 September 2018

Broken wand: Douglas Trouten

Recently 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 Douglas Trouten. Dennis is graciously allowing me to pass this on to you.

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Dr. Douglas J. Trouten

Doug, 58, passed away gently in the early hours of July 30, 2018, 6 months after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Born December 26, 1959 in Regina, Saskatchewan, his family moved to the Twin Cities 6 months later.

Doug enjoyed magic and the art of illusion and was a valued and active member as well as the current treasurer of International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 19 in Minneapolis. For his many friends at Ring 19, Doug’s passing is a huge loss to our club and a huge loss to our community. And a huge loss to all of us that loved and respected him.

He attended St. Paul Bible College where he met his wife Elizabeth (French), working on his student newspaper. He earned a Masters and Doctorate in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota. Doug was editor the Twin Cities Christian/Minnesota Christian Chronicle for 20 years before becoming a professor of journalism at the University of Northwestern, where he taught for the last 19 years. He also served as Executive Director of the Evangelical Press Association for 11 years. Doug published thousands of articles in dozens of periodicals. His work appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune and in various magazines including Christianity Today, Plain Truth and World.

He is survived by sons Lucas (Katie), David; daughter Tracey; sisters Darlene (Mike) Morgan, Donna Olson; brother Daniel Trouten; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by mother, Elaine; father, Dr. Donald J. Trouten.

22 April 2018

Remembering Harry Anderson

By now you have likely heard the news that Harry Anderson passed away last Monday at the age of 65.

Mr. Anderson was kind to me.  Back in 2003 he gave me permission to market an effect of mine that is based on one of his better known routines.  I'm grateful that I was able to thank him in person and see him perform live and lecture, when he came to Ontario in 2012.

Little known fact: David Merry and Harry Anderson are tangentially responsible for the start of this blog!

Our condolences to his family and friends.


Here's what others have to say...

From Matt DiSero's Facebook post:




From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook post:



Some thoughts from John Larroquette on Twitter:





And from his son, Dash's Facebook post:


25 March 2018

Broken wand: Assistant Betty Lou Ikenberry

From the obituary posted March 20th, at the Pawhuska Journal-Capital:
Born March 11, 1935, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Kathleen Mason and John Richardson.

Betty grew up in St. Catherine’s, ON, Canada. At 16, she ventured out on her own and joined the Royal American Show. The show traveled across the US, performing at state fairs and carnivals. As a Magician’s Assistant, her role was to entertain the audience with the art of illusion. She also had other responsibilities such as selling tickets, collecting money, etc. She spent four years traveling with the show and each year they wintered in San Antonio, Texas. During the off-season, she obtained her GED and later her Certified Nurse’s Training Certificate. She also took classes such as tap and ballet to enhance her performances.

Read more.

04 November 2017

Remembering Nick Sacco

The folks at Ring 49 have more information to share about Nick Sacco.

From The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club:
  •  He was President of IBM Ring #49 (2002-2003) & also an active member of the Canadian Association of Magicians & IBM Ring 17 Toronto.
  • Nick was instrumental in the creation of the IBM Ring 49 Web-Site that won an IBM International 1st place Award of Excellence for Best Web-Site for 2003-2004.  
  • Nick was also involved in the nomination process that lead to the induction of the late Doug Henning onto the Canada Walk of Fame in Toronto in 2010. 
  • Nick was also the recipient of the John E. Shipton Memorial Award of Achievement for 2000-2002 for his unending work & contributions that benefited Hamilton Ring #49. 
  • Nick’s love of card magic and endless practice also achieved him a personal invitation as a performer and member of the exclusive Four F International Convention held in Batavia NY every year. 
  • Nick will be sadly missed.

29 October 2017

Broken wand: Nick Sacco

Our thoughts go out to Nick's family at this difficult time.


From Patterson Funeral Home:

The world is a less joyful place with the passing of Nick Sacco on October 27, 2017. Nick was that rare individual who knew the true meaning of friendship, family, loyalty and commitment. No one who met him would ever forget the experience. Born on April 27, 1947, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Nick straddled many worlds -the food, beverage and hospitality industries, the worlds of conjuring and cardsharps, family and philanthropy, and, quite devoutly, Catholicism-all seamlessly. Intent on a business career, Nick attended both Niagara and York Universities. But he often said that he never forgot so many of the lessons he learned growing up in “The Falls”. Nick was recognized as a super salesman and manager in the food and beverage business, rising to become a National Sales Manager at Minute Maid (Coca Cola Ltd.) He treasured time with family and friends and was passionate about his magic (where he was respected internationally as an organizer, consultant and arm-chair performer).

Read more.



10 September 2017

Broken wand: Bruce Fricker

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  Bruce Fricker from Kitchener, Ontario.

From Life News:
FRICKER, Bruce Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Mary's General Hospital, Kitchener, at age 64. Beloved husband of Linda for 28 years. Loved father of Jordan and fiancée Tina, Alysia, Melissa, and Sidney. Dear son of Marion and the late R. Bruce Fricker; brother of Donelda Fricker. He is also fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Gilda Stante, in-laws Marie (Eldon) and Donald (Diane), nephews Matthew, Joseph, and Nicholas and many friends. Bruce was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He performed under the name "Magic by Zachary".

Read more.

09 August 2017

Broken wand: Eugene Burger

While not Canadian, many of us were lucky to see Eugene during his visits to Canada.  (Most recently for me at this year's Browser's Bash.  Thanks for making that happen Jeff!)

I'm grateful to have seen Eugene perform a number of times.

Rest well.


From the International Brotherhood of Magicians Facebook page:

06 August 2017

Celeste Evans in the news

From the Globe and Mail, CTV News, and the Toronto Star, by Sandra Szklarski:
Canadian magician Celeste Evans, a headstrong entertainer whose trailblazing career took her around the world during an era that largely discouraged such female independence, has died.

The B.C.-born illusionist was largely self-taught and loved to perform, despite facing huge hurdles in an industry dominated by men, said her daughter Evanna Brening from her home in North Carolina.

Ms. Brening said her mother died of old age on July 25 in Charlotte, N.C. She was 85.

“She was completely something different,” said the 47-year-old Ms. Brening, who joined her mother onstage once she learned to juggle at the age of 7.

“When we would go to the conventions, we would tell the young kids: ‘Find your niche, don’t be somebody else, find out who you are and create a character around that.’ And that’s what my mother did, she created a character around what God gave her.”

Read more.


From iTricks in 2013:
One of the most successful women magicians in history, Celeste spent the 1960s touring around the world literally performing for royalty. Now retired, she was good enough to talk to iTricks in this two part interview.

In many ways, 1957 was the break out year for Celeste Evans. In February, Hugard’s Magic Monthly carried two important mentions of her. First, her recent appearance on the television show Circus Time was discussed. It was not her first TV show, nor would it be her last, and the recap speaks positively of her finale with silks and birds. More importantly, though, is the coverage of the SAM Parent Assembly show on the 15th, which she opened. “Celeste Evans opened the show with her sexy sorcery” the report starts, describing her as an “attractive, personable brunette” who showed “solid skill.” Again, the highlight of her performance was her finale. “She whipped off her skirt for a flashy finish in a tight-fitting costume with stockings and long gloves standing out via black light. Silk juggling and colored dove productions brought her a solid hand.

Read more.


Via iTricks, on YouTube, an interview from approximately 10 years ago:






Via iTricks, on YouTube, Celeste on "To Tell the Truth":



26 July 2017

Broken wand: Celeste Evans

To learn more about Celeste's extraordinary life and contribution to magic, have a look at "Even in Magic, Happiness First" over at the Northeast Journal, or visit her site at CelesteEvansMagic.com.

The family has suggested that donations in Celeste Evans name could be sent to:
The Junior Program
‪c/o The Magic Castle,‬
 ‪7001 Franklin Avenue‬,
L.A. ‪CA 90028‬.


From the Celeste Evans Facebook page:

A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.



From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook page:





Also from Shawn's Facebook page:

















23 April 2017

Broken wand: Edna Scott

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 Edna Scott from Tillsonburg, Ontario.   Edna passed late last year on December 29, 2016.

We would appreciate it if anyone had information about Edna to share with us.

16 April 2017

Broken wand: Sophia Szilagyl

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 Sophia Szilagyl from Guelph, Ontario.

We would appreciate it if anyone has any information about Sophia to share with us.

09 April 2017

Broken wand: Charles Edwin Millard

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 Charles Millard.

From the March 2017 Linking Ring:
Recently the I.B.M. Headquarters was notified that Charles Edwin Millard, 68, of Edgetts Landing, New Brunswick, Canada, died July 25, 2016. His I.B.M. membership number was 61351, and he had been a member since 2000 (sixteen years). Born in Kingston, Ontario, he worked in the service industry for over thirty years, with Xerox. Following retirement, he continued to work, both as a church custodian, and for a printing firm. He loved entertaining people as “Choctaw the Clown,” and was involved in clowning for almost four decades. In addition to clowning and magic, he loved the outdoors and nature, including all water sports, roller skating, cross country skiing and bird watching. He also was a photographer. Survivors include his wife, Paula; sons Robert (Cathy) and Andrew (Amanda); grandchildren Julia, Katie, Savanah, Liam and Ella; step-children Tanya Minter, and Steven Lawson; step-grandchildren, Marina, Ryan, Danny, and Samantha; step-great-granddaughter, Brookelynn; and brother, David. Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Baptist Church, 3039 Main Street, Hillsborough, New Brunswick, Canada EOA 1XO


From the website of the Albert County Funeral Home:
Charles Edwin Millard aka "Choctaw the Clown", 68, of Edgett's Landing passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2016 at the Moncton Hospital with his family by his side.  
He was born in Kingston, Ontario on October 1st, 1947, the son of the late Dr. William Edwin "Eddy" and Annie "Isabel" (Miller) Millard. He was a faithful member of the Valley Baptist Church.  He worked in the service industry for over 30 years with Xerox. Following an early retirement from Xerox, Charles moved to Edgett's Landing, NB where he spent many years as a custodian at the Valley Baptist Church. He was last working with Andrez Printing in Riverview.   Charles was a professional clown and loved entertaining people.  He was "Choctaw the Clown" and involved in clowning for 37 years. He was the Eastern Ambassador for clowns of America International and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. 
Read more.



26 March 2017

Broken wand: Arshan Khan

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 Arshan Khan.

You may remember that in 2011 Arshan was awarded the Order of Merlin - Shield Award.


From Canadian Obituaries:
KHAN, Dr. Arshad  -  Loving husband to Rita, and father to Rajal (Jennifer) and Aanchal (Bradley), passed away surrounded by family on February 5, 2017, at St. Mary's Hospital, in Kitchener.

He is survived by his brother, Amin (Talat) and his sister, Parveen.

He was a dedicated psychiatrist in Kitchener-Waterloo for 29 years and a devoted member of the community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


19 March 2017

Broken Wand: Msgr. Vincent Foy

From the IBM Ring 17 newsletter:
Longtime members of the club will have heard of Msgr. Vincent Foy. One of the country's longest-serving Catholic priests, passed away earlier this week at the age of 101.

Among magicians, he was better known for his contributions to the literature of magic, including publications released under the pen name "Dr. George E. Casaubon" and for his assistance in writing the important books The Magic and Methods of Ross Bertram and Bertram on Sleight of Hand. Later, in his nineties, Ron van Someren photographed him performing the nearly one hundred one-handed cuts with playing cards he invented, which were compiled and published in 2011 A Cut Above.

More information is available at:

http://www.catholicregister.org/item/24590-msgr-vincent-foy-longest-serving-priest-in-toronto-archdiocese-dies-at-101

Read more.


25 February 2017

Broken wand: Daryl Easton

It is with a heavy heart that I post the news about the recent passing of Daryl Easton.  I had the good fortune to meet Daryl when he was a special guest at Sorcerers Safari in 2015.  Although he's not Canadian, he had a big impact on the campers that year.   He was so easy going and just fit right in.

Magicana has an old video of Daryl performing in the Magic Palace in the 1980s.

Vanish Magazine has a feature with a Daryl tribute on page 34.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Alison, and their children, at this impossible time.

23 February 2017

The Great Boomsky: Truro magician Isaac Willis

From The Chronicle Herald:
In the 1920s, a popular “professor” worked as a porter at the Truro train station. However this porter wasn’t a moonlighting academic.

Under the stage name of Professor Boomsky, he once mystified full houses at the world’s finest theatres. And before that, he worked at the White House.

Isaac Willis was born on Christmas Eve, 1879 in Alexandria, Va. By the age of two, he was living in Washington, D.C., where his father, a former cart driver, was a doorman at the White House. Eventually, Isaac joined his father, working there as a messenger boy.

By a twist of fate, Isaac caught the eye of Alexander Herrmann, a millionaire magician who lived a glamorous lifestyle befitting a modern-day rock star, complete with a yacht, private railcars, and a seaside mansion.

Herrmann, who often gave command performances for presidents and royalty, took notice of the charismatic Willis. In a flash, the White House needed a new messenger boy. The teen had signed on as Herrmann’s apprentice, assuming the role of Boomsky, the magician’s beloved stage assistant.

Read more.

24 January 2017

Broken wand: Suley Fattah

Updated January 31st to add:

Updated on January 26th to add:
  •  Details about the memorial service are posted at Magicana.


It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the recent passing of Suley Fattah, Julie Eng's husband.

I first met Suley at the 2001 CAM convention (though I first saw him years earlier, on stage at the Shaw Festival).  I'll remember Suley as always having a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. 

Our sincere condolences go out to Julie.  Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.


From James Alan's post in the Magic Cafe:
With great sadness, we report the passing of Suley Fattah, beloved husband of Julie Eng. Suley passed away earlier today due to complications from a heart attack. He died peacefully at Toronto General Hospital surrounded by his family.

Suley was a long-time associate of David Ben and Magicana where he worked largely behind the curtain contributing significantly to our stage productions, publications and community outreach programs. More information about Suley is available in the December 2016 issue of Genii in the cover story about Julie. His friendship will be greatly missed.

We will share more information about his memorial when we are able to.

Richard Kaufman also has a post up at the Genii forums.


From Julie's Facebook page:



15 December 2016

Broken wand: Keith Hunter

If you've attended any community events in the Orangeville area within the last decade, there is no doubt you have come across Keith Hunter.

He is the one wearing the striped jacket, a robust red bowtie and his beige cap. Hunter’s “Touch of Magic” magician stand and the props for his tricks are usually close by.

The Orangeville and surrounding area’s resident magician for the last decade won’t be seen at these public events anymore.

After dying at home with his wife of 60 years holding his hand last Thursday, Hunter’s family and friends gathered in Orangeville for his funeral on Tuesday (Dec. 13). Hunter, who was one of the Rotary Club of Orangeville’s longest serving members, was 89 years old.

“The #Orangeville community said goodbye to an original today,” tweeted Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. “Keith Hunter's memorial captured a special Father, Dad, #Magician #Rotarian.”

Hunter was one of Canada’s eldest practicing magicians. For more than a decade, he had performed over 1,000 magic shows across the country.

Read more.

27 November 2016

Broken wand: Anatole Corriveau

Phil Matlin, from Perfect Magic, tells me that Judge Anatole Corriveau attended many Magie Montréal conventions.  From Phil:
At one point we asked him to be judge for the contests. He laughed and asked if he had to wear his robe. Of course he accepted and he turned out to be one the best judges we ever had. His approach to judging was so different from what we were used to, but it all made sense. His commentaries about the contests were a joy to read and most of all very informative clear and concise. We learned a lot from him.
Thanks for sharing your memories, Phil.

 


From the Fédération des coopératives funéraires du Québec:
Au CHUL, le 2 juillet 2016, à l’âge de 90 ans, est décédé l’Honorable juge Anatole Corriveau, époux de feu madame Marie-Berthe Rousseau. Il demeurait à Québec.

Read more.



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

06 May 2016

Broken wand: Peter Marucci and Cliff Harden

From Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes:
Peter Marucci
Journalist and Magician…
Following a long illness on Monday May 2, 2016, Peter Marucci passed away peacefully at the Wellington Terrace in his 77th year with his wife by his side. Peter is survived by his aunt Mary (”Mame”) Marucci of Guelph. Peter was a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians and the Order of Merlin. A private Broken Wand Ceremony has been held in his honour. Remembrances to the Hospice Wellington, Guelph or Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home would be appreciated by the family. www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519 843 3100

From Canadian Obituaries:
HARDEN, Clifford Stanley “Hardini”Passed away May 4, 2016 with family by his side at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 82.

Loving husband and best friend to Marie for almost 59 years.

Caring father of Rose Marie Walker (Rob), Wendy Crawford (Randy) and David Harden (Trish).

Proud Granddad of Sarah Walker and Shauna Yarrow-Harden. Brother to the late Isobel Matthews (James). Uncle to Margaret Wicksted (Alan) and family.

He will be missed by his extended family and many friends.

Clifford was proud to have served 6 years with the 33rd Medium Regiment in Cobourg. He was a talented magician, artist, woodworker and photographer to name a few of his passions. He truly enjoyed life and lived every day to the fullest. Cliff will be dancing in heaven.

Please join the family in celebrating Cliff’s life at MOUNT LAWN FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, 905-443-3376, on Thursday May 12th. Memories will be shared at 3pm with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakeridge Health Foundation - Cancer Centre or the Diabetes Association.