The I.B.M. Blog & Articles

The International Brotherhood of Magicians

22 Sep

15 Magicians Honored in October Broken Wand

Category: Broken Wand   Posted by: C. DENNIS SCHICK

 BROKEN WAND FOR OCTOBER 2017


JOSEPH L. ABRAHAM

 

Recently the I.B.M. Headquarters office was notified that Joseph L. Abraham, 63, of Akron, Ohio, died suddenly November 15, 2016. His I.B.M. membership number was 34280, and he had been a member since 2005 (eleven years). He also was a member of Ring 161 (Akron, Ohio). He served in the U.S. Army, and worked for Hygenic Corporation for twenty-eight years, and then the Akron Public School System before retiring in 2015. His passion was magic, performing as “Joe Magic.” He donated much of his time performing and cheering up people who needed it at the children’s hospital and at area senior citizen’s homes. Survivors include his sisters Barbara (Lee) Buchwalter, and Rosalee (Greg) Byles; and brother, Ron. A Broken Wand Ceremony was conducted prior to his memorial service by Ring 161.

 

 

HAROLD R.S.S. BELL


Harold R.S.S. Bell, 69, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, died August 26, 2017. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (2010-2015). Survivors include his aunt Dora Getschel, with whom he lived the past six years; and cousins Shannon (John) Feltmate and Norman May. At his memorial service he requested that everyone wear purple and/or green. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart and Stroke, or Mental Health organizations.

 

PIERRE BRAHMA


Pierre Brahma, 84, of Paris, France, died August 27, 2017, according to Boris Wild. From his biography in “Silent Magic,” the book about deaf magicians by Simon Carmel: Brahma was born in Marseille, France in 1933. He became partially deaf at the age of thirteen from a severe case of Scarlet Fever. But he carried on with his education at the University of Montpellier, earning a law degree -- without ever going to classes. About this time he discovered magic and it became his passion. In 1973 a severe infection caused total deafness, making him ineligible for most jobs. So he continued to perform his unique, classical magic act, and it took him throughout the world. It featured elegant necklaces, jewels, crowns, and gold coins, which no one else used. He won two World Championships of Magic (1964 and 1976), as well as countless other awards. In 1979, “The Trunk of the Indies of a Magician’s Nights” book told the story of his fight against deafness, and how he overcame it, as well as an insider’s look at . When a re-edited version of it was published in 1998, it won the prestigious “Academie Francaise” Award. Later he became a seller of magic antiques, and often gave several lectures a year. 

 

WILLIAM H. CLOUT


William Henry Clout, 91, of Somerset, England, died peacefully at home, August 15, 2017. His I.B.M. member number was 51943, and he had been a member since 1995 (twenty-two years). He also was a member of Ring 25 (the British Ring). He was an actor, script writer, director, producer, and magician. Much of his work he did with his wife, Nona. Together they were “Mr. and Mrs. Show Business,” bringing live theater productions and performances to thousands of people. He was one of the founders of the Weston Wizards in the seaside town of Weston Super Mare, UK. Magic was mainly a hobby, performing his magic skills mainly for friends. But he was a genius of magic creativity, and helped many magicians with their acts. He was especially talented in origami and paper craft. Survivors include his daughters Sue and Hilary and their husbands, Phil and Rob, and their families.

 

BRUCE I. FRICKER


Bruce Irvin Fricker, 64, of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, died September 7, 2017, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, from which he suffered for twenty years. His I.B.M. membership number was 40319, and he had been a member since 1985 (thirty-two years). He was a member of the Order of Merlin (twenty-five years a continuous member). He also was a member of Ring 17 and Ring 99 (both in Toronto, Ontario, Canada). He performed under the name of “Magic by Zachary.” Survivors include his wife of twenty-eight years, Linda; children Jordan and fiancee Tina, Alysia, Melissa, and Sidney; mother, Marion; sister, Donelda; mother-in-law Gilda Stante; and in-laws Marie (Eldon) and Donald (Diane). Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Society, 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, ON M5G 1E6, Canada.

 

TIM F. GLANCEY


Timothy Francis Glancey, 58, of Key West, Florida, died August 23, 2017. He was a former I.B.M. member. He was a member of Ring 329 (Key West, Florida). Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he lived on both the east and west coast before settling in Boise, Idaho with his family in 1974. He had a fascination with magic most of his life, and throughout high school performed at birthday parties and at Grizzly Bear Pizza. After graduation he and his high school girlfriend drove to New Jersey, then on to Orlando, Florida. In 1989 the new NBA team, Orlando Magic, was looking for entertainment, and he created a business -- Sports Magic Team -- to supply pregame and halftime entertainment for sports teams. Singer Jimmie Buffet met him at an NBA game and asked him to provide preconcert entertainment at his shows. Of course that led to Key West, where Glancey then made his home. He traveled with Buffet for nearly a decade. He is survived by his life partner Donna Carpenter; mother, Rita; brothers Jim (Tina) and Neil; and sister Helene (Mike) Minor.

 

CHARLES M. JANUSZKA 


Charles M. Januszka, 62, of Brighton, Michigan, died August 1, 2017. His I.B.M. member number was 47899, and he had been a member since 1991. He was a member of the Order of Merlin (twenty-five years a continuous member). He also was a member of Ring 210 (Ann Arbor, Michigan). Born in Jackson, Michigan, he had excellent mechanical skills and worked in a variety of industrial positions over the years. He loved playing hockey, his chinchillas, and especially his University of Michigan teams. He was an expert in Trivial Pursuit at family gatherings. Surviving are his wife, Cheryl; daughters Christy (Jason) Rapaich, and Joanne; grandsons Hunter and Philip; granddaughter Meadow; mother Elaine (Weed) Januszka; and siblings Kathy (Ray) Chmielewski, Elaine (Scott) Peterson, Stan (Brenda) Januszka, Mary Januszka, Marcia (Mike) Barnes, John Angelica Januszka, and Denise (Ron) Geisman. He helped design his own memorial at the cemetery.

 

NORMAN B. MACK


Norman B. Mack, 79, of Syosset, New York, died August 25, 2017. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1980-2007). He was a member of the Order of Merlin (twenty-five years a continuous member). Among survivors is his wife, Oksana.

 

RODNEY B. MELLING


Rodney Boyd Melling, 67, of Jackson, Michigan, died August 7, 2017. His I.B.M. member number was 68817, and he had been a member since 2009. He also was a member of Ring 386 (Colon, Michigan). He graduated from Ferris State University and worked with his family at Camshaft Machine Company. He later transitioned to real estate. He also served on the Brownfield Board. His true passion was working on the board of the Dahlem Nature Center to help develop programs for the local youth. He also enjoyed traveling, golf, riding his motorcycle, and magic. Survivors include his wife of forty-five years, Debra; daughter, Abbey; sister, Tami (Stan) Russ, and their daughters Kaitlin and Molly. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dahlem Conservancy, www.dahlemcenter.org.

 

JOHN MILLS

 

According to the latest issue of The Key Ring, the monthly magazine of Ring 25, the British Ring, longtime Ring 25 member John Mills died recently. He was made Honorary Life Member of Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle in 2015. He performed as John Mills, although his real name was Brian.

 

W. KEVIN PRIEBE


W. Kevin Priebe, 49, of Massillon, Ohio, died August 26, 2017. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1988-1992). Born in Los Angeles, California, he died in Jacksonville, Florida. He loved performing magic and making people laugh. He performed using the name Kevin King. Survivors include his parents, mother Mary Jolley, and father Gerald (Loralyn); aunts, Faith Beliveau, Susan Braig, and Patricia (Craig) Wheeler; uncles, Dean (Lorretta) Priebe, and Gregory Ress; step-brothers, Charles (Sharie) Jolley, Timothy (Tammy) Jolley, and David (Mary) Jolley; and special friend, Laura Zilko.

 

JOE J. SCROGGINS, JR.


Joe Jarrett Scroggins, Jr., 79, of Warsaw, Missouri, died July 13, 2017. He held I.B.M. number 52273 since 1995 (twenty-two years). He also was a member of Ring 132 (Springfield, Missouri). Born in Benton, Tennessee, he served eight years in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and worked for twenty-seven years for the Army Corps of Engineers, serving at the Truman Dam. He was best known for his musical and magic abilities. He played the guitar Chet Atkins-style picking and played professionally throughout his life. He played on Jack’s Country Music Show, the Osage Jamboree, and the Truman Lake Opry. He served as the sound man at his church for fifteen years. Surviving are his wife of twenty-seven years, Peggy; sons Joseph (Julianne) and Anthony (Debbie); six grandchildren. Timothy (Catrina), Jerileeza, Austin (Madison), Joshlynne and finance Adam, Faith, and Jennianne; and one great-grandson, Corvo.

 

DR. HOWARD L. SMITH


Dr. Howard Lee Smith, 89, of Marlin, Texas, died August 5, 2017. He was a former member of the I.B.M. (1971-2014). He was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield (thirty-five years a continuous member). “H.L.,” as he was affectionately known, was bitten by the magic bug when his grandmother took him to see Harry Blackstone, Sr. perform at Waco Hall in the late 1930s. She later gave him a Gilbert Mysto Magic Set for his birthday. Then came many magic books and tricks from Douglas Magicland in Dallas. Subsequently he performed throughout Central Texas as “Howard the Magician,”  at parties, banquets and even at hospital beds, spreading smiles and laughter. While he retired from medicine in 2--8, he continued his passion for magic until the end. Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years, Pat; sons Mike (Tina), and Tommy (Andrea); and grandchildren, Cora, Cannon, Xoe Bea, T.J., and Gus. Memorial contributions may be made to The Palace Theatre, 133 Heritage Row, Marlin, TX 76661.

 

ALLAN SULLIVAN


Allan Sullivan, 83, of Sydney, Australia, died August 15, 2017 following a stroke. His I.B.M. membership number was 28802, and he had been a member since 1975 (forty-two years). He was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield (thirty-five years a continuous member). He also was a member of Ring 102 (Sydney, Australia). For many years he was a major force in magic in Sydney, according to Dale Trueman. He chaired four Australian magic conventions, and had been president of Ring 102 for many years. Recently he was awarded the prestigious Maurice Rooklyn Trophy for Australians who have shown Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Art of Magic. Allan loved all fields of magic but was especially fond of entertaining children.

 

DR. ANDREW J. VANDER WAL


Dr. Andrew Jack Vander Wal, 82, of Jenison, Michigan, died August 26, 2017. His I.B.M. member number was 23507, and he had been a member since 1970 (forty-seven years). He was a member of the Order of Merlin Shield (thirty-five years a continuous member). He also was a member of Ring 211 (Grand Rapids, Michigan), and Ring 54 (Lansing, Michigan). He became interested in magic in his youth and had his first paid performance at age twelve. He was known to reward neighborhood kids with a magic trick if they did not have any cavities (using his mother’s knitting needles to check their teeth). Magic became a passion the rest of his life, including using it in his profession -- what else? Dentistry. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1959. After practicing dentistry for fifty-five years, never really retired as a dentist. He simply transitioned to practicing part time in a mobile unit that served the elder and foster care communities. He was a founding member of Ring 211, and stayed active in it until his death. Dr. Jack performed on the cabaret show for the first twenty-two annual Hocus Pocus parties, fourteen annual installation banquets and shows, and at each of the thirty annual Hocus Pocus Parties. Recently he was inducted into the Michigan Magic Day Hall of Fame. In addition to dentistry and magic, Jack was equally passionate about playing music. He played drums in his high school band, and played piano or organ at his church, often for all three services. “Happy Jack,” as his son Randy called him, made magic a family affair, teaching magic to him, and to grandsons Jesse and Joshua. Survivors include his children, Jamie (Jerry) Shira, Randy, Chellie (Karl) Schmitz, Bonnie (Karen), and Jordie; grandchildren Jozie (Jay) Hayes, Gracey, Jesse and Zion Shira; Joshua, Chaiah, Bekah and Amira Schmitz; sister Billie (Rudy) Prins, and brother Jerry (Sue). A Broken Wand Ceremony was performed. Memorial contributions are asked to be made in honor of Jack’s wife, C.J., who died in 2001 from the disease, to ALS Association of West Michigan, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 177, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

 

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