IN APPRECIATION FOR THEIR LIFE IN MAGIC
by Dennis Schick • Editor, The I.B.M. Broken Wand

May, 2008

ANTHONY CRABBE

Anthony Crabbe, 77, of Bristol, England, died in May, 2008. The son of a distinguished lawyer, he had an eye for taking a good trick and presenting it in a classy manner.  He always looked immaculate and lived up to his billing as "The Magician About Town."
He was an underwriter for Lloyd's of London, when he moved to Bristol to become an active performing member of the "Bristol Savages," an exclusive arts club.  He had a unique talent for impersonation, and the ability to use a fruity cockney accent.  He appeared on several occasions in the Parlor of The Magic Castle.  Having taken early retirement, he made regular trips to the U.S. and traveled widely, making lifelong friends wherever he went. (Alan Shaxon)

CLAYTON L. STEIN

Clayton L. Stein, 72, of Chillicothe, Ohio, died May 6, 2008. He held I.B.M. number 12605M, had been a member since 1966, was a member of Ring 197, The Tommy Windsor Ring, and was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield (over thirty-five years). He also was a member of The Magic Circle, London, England. Following graduation from Ohio University, with bachelor's and master's degrees, he taught speech, drama and theater at Chillicothe High School as head of the Theatre Department, for twenty-two years.  After retiring in 1987, he went on to teach speech and theater at Marietta College for several more years. Stein's master's thesis was on the history of stage magicians and their place in theater.  It was from this perspective that he developed a persona of style and dignity.  "Dr. Clayton" would emerge from his limousine in front of the theater, with his top hat and cane.  Spectators knew they were in for something special. His speech and theater training served him well, resulting in a distinct voice which reached every corner of the theater.  In addition to performing magic throughout the United States, he also performed in England and Scotland. Clayton was a member of the Theatre Historical Society, and enjoyed touring old "houses of entertainment" throughout the country.  He also was active in the Masonic Lodge, and his knowledge of and devotion to Freemasonry was extensive. Through his teaching, mentoring, and performing, Clayton touched many lives.  Always a performer, ever a gentleman, he will be missed by his many friends, former students, and fellow magicians.  Kerry Blair, president of Ring 197, performed a Broken Wand Ceremony at his home, May 18.

HENRIETTA L. WURTZEL

Henrietta L. Wurtzel, 98, of Freeport, Illinois, died May 11, 2008. Her husband, Robert, died in 1983, at age 72.For many years, the Wurtzels performed as "The Magical Wurtzels," at various locations across the United States, as well as in Cuba, and Canada. Henrietta was also known as Freeport's "First Lady of Magic," and was a member of the national organization, "Magic Gals." Each year she presented a scholarship at a local community college in person and in a unique way.  The check always "disappeared," and Mrs. Wurtzel would use her magical powers to make it appear. The Wurtsels were widely-known for their annual Open Houses, featuring performances by magicians throughout the mid-West.  She was the last surviving member of her family

RINO L. GODINO

Rino L. Godino, 83, of Naples, Florida, died May 21, 2008.  He held I.B.M. number 12015E, was a continuous I.B.M. member since 1950, and was a member of the Order of Merlin Excelsior (over fifty years). He was born in New York, served in the U.S. Army in World War II, and was awarded the Bronze Star with several Battle Stars.  He received a certificate of thanks from the French government for his efforts during the war.
Rino received bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering from New York University, and worked for Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation from which he retired as Senior Vice President after forty-two years.  He authored many technical articles and obtained six U.S. patents.  He and his wife moved to Naples following his retirement.  He was also a member of the S.A.M. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Dolores; children Diane and Marc; and grandchildren Danielle and Kristin.

MORRIS WEISSBROD

Morris Weissbrod, 93, of New York, New York, died May 25, 2008.  He held I.B.M. number 19563M, was a member of the Harry Roz-On Ring, 26, and was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield, having been an I.B.M. continuous member since 1964. He was the Dean of Ring 26, always had a great story to tell, and performed often for those who needed a lift the most, especially those in nursing homes and for those who were ill.  He was a magician, comedian, hypnotist, and an attorney. The Broken Wand Ceremony was performed by Dean George Schindler of the S.A.M. and by President Jerry Wiesenberg of I.B.M. Ring number 26. Morris is survived by his wife, Sybil Simons, also a Ring 26 member, and many family members.