Broken wand: Paul Royter

Updated March 20th to add to bottom of post, thoughts by Scott Boyd posted to Facebook on March 17th.

 

Updated March 18 to add a link to the Magician's Talking Magic podcast tribute to Paul, "Ep 116: Paul Royter: Lessons from a Touring Legend."

This was a difficult episode to record Thanks to Sam Pearce for joining. Ep 116: Paul Royter: Lessons from a Touring Legend https://t.co/j9GIWqpq8c pic.twitter.com/TBZUzbDCGy

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) March 17, 2021

 

Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this impossible time. 

More details will be posted as they become available.

 

From the March 14th Tweet by Ryan Joyce:

Sad to learn Paul Royter has passed. He was an amazing hypnotist, magician and mentor. He changed my life and I'm forever grateful. Rest in peace, Paul.

— Ryan Joyce (@ryanjoycemagic) March 14, 2021

Broken wand: Rod Doiron

Rod passed on March 3rd.  

Updated March 18th to add the link to an official obituary:

Rod was a wonderful magician. Magic was the joy of his life. His stage show afforded him a chance to demonstrate his wonderful sense of humor and dazzle and confound his audiences with his illusions. His close-up magic was, well, magical. In typical Rod fashion, after mastering many aspects of the craft, he gave back to those aspiring to do likewise. He spent hours teaching effects to young magicians. 

 

Updated March 8th to include Josh Jay's wonderful tribute to Rod at the bottom of this post.

 

Our thoughts are with Rod's family and friends at this impossible time.

 

From the March 5th post by Mike Northorp in the Conjurers' Court, IBM Ring 316 - Halifax, NS Facebook group:

It brings me great sadness to share the news that Rod Doiron passed away this past weekend.
 
This is a big shock to us all, and a huge loss for the magic community and his friends and family. I've tried to reach out to many of you personally to share the news and I apologize if I missed anyone, but hoping this reaches a wider group of people.  

I currently don't have any details on funeral arrangements etc but will share when I get more information. I'll also work with Bill VanGorder and the club executive about putting together a broken wand ceremony for him.  

Sorry to have to share such sad news with you all.

Broken wand: Dennis Schick

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that long time friend of, and contributor to the blog, Dennis Schick, passed away early last December. 

Dennis, as many of you already know, managed the Broken Wand section for the IBM's Linking Ring magazine.  He and I were in touch frequently keeping each other up to date.  You may also know that Dennis was the driving force behind the Linking Ring's recurring feature "Benevlonce of Magic" which featured giving initiatives and included Canadian projects such as: Magicana's Sharing Wonder, Jeff Christensen's Celebrate the Child Foundation, John Kaplan's Fundraising Magic, Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp, and the Mosquitoes Suck tour.

He always had a kind word and a good wish.

Dennis was the first person to interview me about Canada's Magic.  The interview was published just over a year ago in the Linking Ring.  I continue to be honoured and grateful to have had this opportunity.

Thank you Dennis, for your friendship, kindness, support, and encouragement.

Our sincere condolences to Dennis' wife Jan, and their family and friends.

From Arkansas Online:

We are sad to share with you that C. Dennis Schick passed away at home Monday December 7. Dennis was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Dean and Ardyce Schick. He is survived by his wife Jan of 61 years; by his three children Leslie Gorrell (Doug), Greg Schick (Christa), and Tim Schick; his four grandchildren Alex, Lisa, Katie, and Emily Schick; his brother Darry Schick (Alice) and sister Kay Weaver (Ron); and many extended family members.

Dennis and Jan moved to Arkansas in 1979 where he served as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Press Association, a state trade association of newspapers. In that capacity, he supervised the operations of three companies: the APA, Arkansas Press Services, and the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation

Read more.

Broken wand: Isreal Manchild

Our sincere condolences to Isreal's family and friends.

 

From the November 13th Facebook post by John Kaplan:

It is with deep shock and sadness that I report the sudden, unexpected passing of one of my dearest friends.  A week ago, on Friday Nov 6th, Isreal Manchild slipped on his basement steps. The resulting fall caused a severe head injury, bleeding of the brain, and he spent much of the past week in hospital in a coma.  A four-hour operation to reduce the swelling yesterday was, unfortunately, not enough for him to survive and he passed away at around 3:00 this morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broken wand: James Randi

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news Tweeted earlier today by the Randi Foundation.  James Randi passed away Tuesday October 20th, 2020.  Our condolences to his family and friends at this impossible time.

From the Randi Foundation Twitter feed:

We are very sad to say that James Randi passed away yesterday, due to age-related causes.

He had an amazing life. We will miss him.

Please respect Deyvi Peña’s privacy during this difficult time.

— Randi Foundation (@jref) October 21, 2020

Broken wand: Robert (Bob) Lang

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Lang on September 30th.  Our thoughts go out to his family, and friends at this impossible time. 

People are sharing their remembrances about Robert over at the Edmonton Magic Club Public Facebook page.

 

 

From the September 29th obituary published in the Edmonton Journal:

LANG, Robert (Bob) Alonzo
September 26, 1930 - September 26, 2020

It is with deep sadness that the family of Robert Lang of Edmonton announce his passing on his 90th birthday. Bob is survived by his beloved children: Neil, Ken (Sonya) and Shauna (Rob) Byar, eight well-loved grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by his loving wife Jean, parents Robert and Mabel, brother Stuart and daughter-in-law Gay. Robert was a master locksmith and the founder/owner of Lang Locksmiths Ltd. Throughout his life he was also a magician, entertainer, ski instructor, Rotarian and occasionally sang O' Canada at football and hockey games. Scouting had a huge impact on his life, career and in the upbringing of his family.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

Broken wand: Paul Wildbaum

Updated August 18th to add:

• Alex Kazam has a wonderful 3 part tribute to Paul on Facebook.  Part 1, part 2, and part 3.
  

 

More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.

From the August 15th Facebook post by Peter Loung:

I am not one to throw the word genius around lightly, especially when referring to an individual. However, in this case that term cannot be more apt of a description for this genuinely beautiful and ridiculously talented soul. Paul Wildbaum was, and forever will be, the measuring stick in which other circus folk measure their skill. For over two decades I have had the honour and privilege to share both the stage and in-depth conversations, ranging the gamut from existential thought to the efficacy of wearing a clown nose, with this legend. To quote William Shakespeare, he was “…a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…” and he was my friend. I am truly saddened to my core to hear of his passing yesterday, and no amount of words can impart the loss that I, and indeed the world, has suffered.

RIP Paul Wildbaum, you will be sorely missed.

My dear dear friend, mentor and veritable genius in all things circus and clown, Paul Wildbaum has passed.

I missed him after I moved away from Toronto and now won’t get another moment with the master. Rest In Peace sweet clown prince. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AUjNEALaLx

— Bill Abbott (@billabbottlive) August 15, 2020

View this post on Instagram

Sad to report the passing of Paul Wildbaum. Paul was unquestionably a unique performer in Toronto, blending magic with clowning, mime and an assortment of allied arts. He was an inspiration and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed. (Photo: Seen here as Doctor-Professor Faux-Pas, performing the Human Glockenspiel at the Year-End Banquet, June 2012)

A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub) on Aug 15, 2020 at 4:58pm PDT

  

Broken Wand: Evelyn Matlin

Updated at 8:15pm to add:

• The formal obituary can be found at Paperman and Sons.  The family requests "In lieu of flowers, donations in Evy’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit c/o Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, (514) 369-2222 ext.: 1299, or to the Gynecology-Oncology Unit c/o the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251."

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Evelyn Matlin, co-owner of Perfect Magic in Montreal.  I first met Evelyn at the CAM-JAM in the spring of 2013.  I had the pleasure of reacquainting with her over the years through Sorcerers Safari and the Browser's Bash.  She had a wonderful upbeat personality and always had something nice to say.

In her 40+ years at Perfect Magic, Evelyn left her mark on the Montreal magic community.  She demonstrated magic in the shop and was often responsible for starting the ball rolling in people's lifelong love of magic.  Many of you know Evelyn as the authour of the blog Perfect Magic Then and Now.  You can read more about Evelyn in the March 13th article "The magic of pursuing your dreams: father's bravery had a ripple effect" by her daughter Julie Matlin in the Montreal Gazette.

Our condolences to her husband, Phil, their children Ronna, Michael, Brian, and Julie, as well as Evelyn's extended family and friends.



From Julie Matlin's July 11th post on Perfect Magic's Facebook page:

On Friday night, after a mercifully short battle with cancer, Evy passed away. We don't have to tell you what an exceptional human being she was. Everyone who met her knew. For the past 42 years, she was a proud member of the magic community, and few things gave her more pleasure than introducing people to the wonders of the craft. There are generations of people who remember how Evy showed them their first card trick, and she remembered each one of you.

We thank you for respecting our privacy at this time, while we grieve.

Julie Matlin

Sad news from Ring 17

We've been informed of the recent passing of two Ring 17 members.  Wayne Nelson and Herb Staats.

Both of these gentlemen treated me with great kindness at the club.

A proper Broken Wand announcement will be published for each when more information is available.

Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Wayne and Herb.

Broken wand: Steve Dickson

Updated March 30th to add a link to Steve's obituary:

• From the Vancouver Sun:
  It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Steve Dickson. Steve was an amazing man, husband, father, friend and magician who enriched the lives of all who had the opportunity to meet him. Friends and family will celebrate Steve's life at a later date.
  
  Read more.

Steve Dickson passed away on Wednesday March 25th.  Our sincere condolences to his friends and family.



From Shawn Farquhar's Facebook March 26th post:

Yesterday, a friend I have known for nearly three decades, had a sudden heart attack and passed. Steve Dickson was a pillar of the magic community, a brilliant teacher, mentor and performer of magic. At one time he owned a magic shop in New Westminster where everyone went to hang, learn and tell stories. So many of our community started their magic lessons with Steve and he was always the guy to help the young magician as well. For years we worked together at the Old Country Inn doing close up, later he helped me create what has become the Cabaret of Wonders. He was a wickedly great at Photoshop and a wiz with computers and never hesitated to help anyone who needed promotional material. He and I didn't agree on everything, which is a good thing, as many times he changed my mind or attitude. He will be truly missed in our community and my heart goes out to Paddy, his wife, who suffers the greatest loss of us all... the love of her life as I know she was his greatest joy.

As we face the coming days, tell those you love how you feel because you truly never know when your time will end.

Broken wand: Tom Baxter

Our sincere condolences to Tom's family and friends.


From the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club Facebook page:

Hello Dear Friends:

It is with a sad heart that I write to you to say that Tom passed away last night at the Vancouver General Hospital surrounded and supported my his brother, Bill; sisters, Brenda and Patrice; brother-in-law George; and myself.

Tom was a gentle soul with a wondrous interest in life. He quietly and stoically faced the challenges of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia over the past six years.

He touched the hearts and minds of many. May you cherish the special moments that he had with you.

Tom did not wish to have a funeral. His wish was to be cremated, and some of his ashes sprinkled on Lake Ontario where he spend many hours sailing.

He had many future ideas planned with regard to his writings, music, and travel.

One of the first (of many) sayings he said to me was … “act little braver than you may feel”.

We cherish all your kind words, cards, messages, phone calls, and thoughts.

Please keep in touch when you can.

A hug to you all,
Wenda 

Broken wand: Maarten (Martin) Hofman

Martin Hofman was a friend of Sid and one of his contemporaries and member of the IBM and the Hat and Rabbit Club. He was known professionally as Marlisto and lived in Cobourg. Over the years he mentored many young aspiring magicians.



From the MacCoubrey Funeral Home:

May 12, 1931 - January 25, 2020

It is with great sadness that the Hofman family announces the passing of Martin on January 25, 2020 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of the late Dixie (deceased November 26, 2007) Cherished father to Cathy (Brad McGill) of Ajax, Louise (John Glass) of Florida, Roger (Nina Minas) of Vaughn & John of Alberta. Loving Opa to Lauren (Stephanie), Rachel (Ryan), Mike (Lily) Rebecca, Curtis, Jennica, Ryan & Alex. Dear Great Opa to Madison, Logan & Adaline. A proud Canadian, he and his bride Dixie came from the Netherlands in 1955 and made Cobourg home. Great barber, esteemed Mason and Shriner, the entertaining magician and illusionist Marlisto. Visitation will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home at 11 a.m., followed by the service at 12 o'clock noon, 30 King Street East, Cobourg on Saturday Feb 1, 2020 Interment at Cobourg Union Cemetery followed by a reception at the MacCoubrey Reception Center. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Read more.

Broken wand: Gail Elsie Burke-McMullen

The following was sent to us by Peter Mennie who informs us that Gail was a magician, clown, and balloon artist.  Thank for you for letting us know Peter.

Our thoughts go to Gail's family and friends.



From The London Free Press:

Peacefully with her family by her side, on Sunday, December 8th, 2019, at St Joseph's Hospice, London, Ontario, in her 68th year. Beloved wife of John McMullen for nine years. Loving mother of Angela Gilbert and Holly Ridgeway, stepmother of Marci Hutchinson, Alex McMullen and Josh McMullen, adored grandmother of Chase, Cienna, Ciara, Aiden, Ali, Grace, Eleanor, Nicole, Jordyn, and Harlea. Survived by sisters Dianne and Janet. Predeceased by her parents Lillian and Clifford.

Read more.

Broken wand: Randy Burtis

Our thoughts go out to Randy's family and friends at this difficult time.


From Yeatland Wong:

On Dec 16, 2019, Calgary Magician and Past President of the Calgary Magic Circle Ring 66, Randy Burtis passed away after a year long battle with cancer. Randy had performed magic for over 25 years, and had a passion for gospel magic. He is the author of "Gospel Illusions: Object Lessons you can do!". Randy enjoyed working with kids and families, both in magic and as a pastor. Randy is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at 11am on Dec 20 at the Centre Street Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Randy to Samaritan's Purse.

From Piersons:

Randy was born on September 2, 1969. He passed away peacefully at his home in Calgary on December 17, 2019. Randy was a loving, nurturing father and husband with a deep, abiding faith is Jesus Christ. He was a children's pastor at Centre Street Church, a published author and a talented magician.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cara; their daughters, Katie and Julia; his mother, Heather and cousin, Mitch Bell and all of Cara's family.

Read more.

From Gwyn Auger:

Randy wrote a book earlier this year, I’ve been encouraging people to consider purchasing even if it’s not their type of magic.
https://www.amazon.ca/Gospel-Illusions-Randy-Burtis/dp/1628628162

Broken wand: Louis Quan

Louis was a longtime member of the Calgary Magic Circle. 

Our condolences to his family and friends.



From McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes:

QUAN, Louis Yuk Wing

March 27, 1937 – Kaiping, Guandong
September 22, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Louis Quan, beloved husband of Esther Quan, of Calgary passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the age of 82 years.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calgary Chinese Alliance Church (150 Beddington Boulevard N.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Read more.

Broken wand: Dr. John Yang

Dr. Yang was a member of the  Magic Circle of Saint John.  He passed away on Saturday, 03 Aug 2019.


From the Kennebecasis County Funeral Home:

In 1992, he was awarded the Canada Commemorative 125 Medal by the Governor General in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.

His life of devoted service and faith was recognized by many.  He was elected the youngest Life Elder (age 39) of The Silver Falls United Church, where his tenor voice, and love of music, could be heard in the choir, and at home, every week, or behind the scenes for Chinese suppers for fund-raising or suppers for young campers.

John loved to cook - more accurately, to feed and nourish his family, friends, relatives, and anyone who walked in the door.

John had a good sense of humour and enjoyed hearing a new joke or story, especially one that he could repeat to others during his many gigs as MC, as President of the Chinese Cultural Association of Saint John, on stage at Festival-By-the-Sea, or speaking at a friend's wedding or anniversary. 

With his fellow magicians at the Saint John Magic Club, he discovered the charm of performing magic tricks for his grandchildren and many others.

In his spare time he also enjoyed traveling around the world, practicing Tai Chi, gardening and fishing.

Read more.

Fredericton: Broken Wand Ceremony for Perley Palmer

From the Magic Circle of Saint John:

Saturday, 27 July 2019

To honour our fallen magician Perley Palmer we will be holding a broken wand ceremony at RH's house. It would be greatly appreciated if all of the members of the club could attend.

Broken wand: John Bernard Boissonneault

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 John Boissonneault. 

  

Dennis also pointed out that the more ALL of us share news and information about magic with the REST of us, the better off the entire magic community will be.

I take this opportunity to ask you to not just ASSUME that we already know about some magic news that YOU hear about. Please tell us about it. We would always rather hear some news SEVERAL times rather than not at all!

Our thoughts go out to John's family and friends.

-----

From Legacy:

BOISSONNEAULT, John Bernard "Little John" Peacefully, on Monday, August 20, 2018 at his home in Georgetown. John, in his 61st year, loving father of Shana (Chris). Proud Papa of Taylor, Kendall and Autumn. Great-Papa of Lila. Dear brother of Marie (Tony), Annette, Bernice (Mike) and Chris (Gord). Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Read more.

Broken wand: Lorne Joseph Overholt

Lorne was a member of the London's Magicians Guild.


From Your Life Moments:

OVERHOLT, Lorne Joseph - Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, in his 97th year. Beloved husband of Evelyn for 76 years. Loving father of Jo Anne Lightbody (Stuart), Denise Nugent (Jim), and David Overholt (Helen). Cherished grandfather of Katherine Knight (Rob), Michael Lightbody, David Keene (Christina), Karra Overholt, Jason Pine (Melanie), and nine great-grandchildren. Lorne’s faith in Jesus Christ was the central theme of his life, which inspires his children and grandchildren. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”


Read more.

With thanks to Peter Mennie for letting us know.

Remembering Dicky Dean

With thanks to André Rancourt for sending me to Deans of Magic.  From Deans of Magic:

1. When Dicky Dean was ten years old he received a small book on magic, by magician and writer Walter B. Gibson. It was a present from his aunt and uncle that was about to change his life. He never had heard of magic before, but as he started learning the secrets of magic, he knew he wanted to become a magician.
    
2. At age twelve he entered the entertainment section of the London Hobby Fair and won first prize. It was also very fortunate for him that London’s foremost magician Everette Mires and his wife, Sue, were present in the audience to see his show and meet him. Later, he learned numerous tricks from Everette as well as how to properly present them. Even with their large differences in age they became best friends.

Read more.

Dicky and Marg were one of the first magic acts I saw as a child. They truly inspired me. I was honoured 20 years later to see them in the audience at one of my own shows and to speak with them afterwards. He was a great magician and a very gracious person. RIP to the Dean. https://t.co/5VNRItECkG

— Aaron Paterson (@AaronPMagic) January 25, 2019