When a Magician Dies - Tell the I.B.M.

Category: Broken Wand   Posted by: C. DENNIS SCHICK

When we are not notified, the Broken Wand editor has to begin a search for more information about the deceased in order to write an obituary. Sometimes simply an internet search is enough to lead to a newspaper or funeral home obituary. Other times the home telephone (or e-mail) listed on the membership form in the Headquarters Office, leads to information needed for an obituary. But often the telephone numbers and e-mails have been disconnected.

 

When these approaches fail to yield information, we then contact local Rings and Territorial Vice Presidents. But what if the person did not belong to a Ring? We also look at magician data sources, such as Magicpedia, and even ask for help from magicians we know in that state. 

 

Far too often these searches lead to a dead (no pun intended) end. With no information with which to write an obituary. Either we write a very short obituary, or do not publish an obituary at all. This is sad that we cannot pay tribute to a magician with our last respects, and that we cannot even notify other magicians in the Broken Wand.  

 

From time to time, when a small space (hole) is left over in The Linking Ring after an article is placed on the pages, the editor inserts “filler” copy, including the following:

 

                                  When a Magic Friend Dies

While it is a responsibility of Ring Secretaries to notify our Headquarters Office or

Executive Editor of the death of a member, many members do not belong to Rings, and

even the deaths of Ring Members often slip through the cracks. Please take the time to send

us a short note and copy of any obituary notice. Don’t let a fellow magic lover slip away

without notice. Send to Editor or Headquarters Office. Addresses on page 4. Thank you.

 

We hope this reminder helps. Now and then someone tells us, “Oh, I assumed you already knew, so I didn’t want to bother you.” In the first place, it is not a bother. In the second place, we would always rather be told of a death multiple times, than no times at all. 

 

Thank you.

 

Dennis Schick, editor

The Broken Wand

crylds@att.net

 

 

 

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