09 July 2021

Broken wand: Jack Frank

Our condolences to Jack's family and friends at this difficult time.

 

From Paperman and Sons:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Frank on Monday, July 5th, 2021. Jack and his partner Rosaline had a loving relationship for thirty-five years. Predeceased by his wife, Aggie (née Fine), Jack leaves behind his son, Joseph (Cyra), grandsons, Jordan (Gina) and Shaun, great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Zoe, and his brother Dave (Judy). Brother of the late Sylvia, the late Ray, and the late Polly.
 
Jack was a WWII Royal Canadian Air Force Veteran. He was a talented photographer, artist, illustrator, magician, mentalist, and skier. He had a world-class smile and a joke for every occasion.
 
As a young man, Jack became interested in magic after seeing Houdini perform, and his interest became a profession. He performed at resorts from the Catskills to the Laurentians, aboard cruise ships, and for many charity events, but saved his best performances for his grandsons’ birthday parties. His love of skiing led to his becoming a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol, which took him to the mountains around the world. He shared his passion for skiing with his son Joey, whom he brought into the Ski Patrol as its youngest member ever.

Read more.

[With thanks to Phil Matlin for sharing the obituary with us.]

 

 

08 July 2021

Peterborough: Champions of Magic 2022

We've had the good fortune of attending a couple of Champions of Magic shows.  Here are some  random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 2019.

 

From the July 5th Tweet by the Peterborough Memorial Centre:

 

 

07 July 2021

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05 July 2021

Broken wand: Rick Poltaruk

Our condolences to Rick's family and friends at this difficult time.

 

From the July 3rd Facebook post by Paul Bagley:

Papa Rick's Obituary

Rick Poltaruk  April 20th 1951 – June 23rd, 2021

It is with mixed emotions we say farewell to Rick Poltaruk who succumbed to Lymphedema on June 23rd 2021, in Calgary Alberta.

Rick is survived by his mother Helga, daughter Shawna along with three grand children, brother Randy (Bonnie) niece Marinna (Kevin), and nephew Ryan (Mara).

Rick, a pastor, musician, magician, comedian and actor was well known as an entertainer living in Yellowknife, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg, showcased his talents everywhere he found himself, and left his mark, many of us can only imagine

Rick, a devote Christian, found solitude in faith, loved life and dedicated himself to others through his talents. As a Pastor, working with the Mustard Seed bestowing himself to help the homeless became the only accomplishment he truly valued.

Rick’s life was his joy, pride and pleasure - to miss him is an understatement. Our grateful heart will treasure memories we share, and his legacy will live on through the music we sing and the stories we tell. May he walk beside us every day.

Donations would be appreciated to the Mustard Seed of Calgary Alberta.




[With thanks to Derek Selinger for sharing the obituary with us.]

01 July 2021

It's Canada Day

"Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is a national holiday marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act came into effect. It was originally known as Dominion Day until it was renamed in 1982."
-- from The Canadian Encyclopedia

 

From the June 1st article "Where to donate to support survivors of residential schools ~ Six organizations you can turn your attention to" at Macleans:

The horrifying discovery was met with grief and mourning over the weekend, reigniting an ongoing conversation about the intergenerational trauma caused by Canada’s residential school program. Here is how you can help organizations across the country that are working to support survivors and further reconciliation.

Read more and donate.