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GUNNARSON New user 62 Posts |
I'm sorry to share with you that Bill Brace passed away this Sunday. He got many people intrested in Magic through the S.Y.M. in Canada. He started more magic clubs and got more people to join the S.Y.M. then anyone in history!He did hundreds of free magic shows to rasie money for people in need over his life. He is a good example of how we can all be better Magicians and People...
He was a great friend of mine and I thought I would share this story from The Winnipeg Free press; Dedicated magician Bill Brace devoted life to the young Thu Jan 18 2007 A truly magical Manitoban passed away earlier this week. Bill Brace, a retired RCMP officer who founded the Society of Young Magicians in Canada in 1982, died Sunday. He was 82. His friends in the magic circle have dubbed him Canada's greatest magician, not just for his performances but for his countless hours of volunteering. "Bill leaves quite a legacy," said a long-time friend, renowned escape artist Dean Gunnarson. "He was one of the most influential people in my career. There were times we'd talk on a daily basis. We were true friends, even though there was a 40-year age difference." Brace lived in Clandeboye, where he had a hobby farm and petting zoo, a magic museum and police museum. Over the years, he did hundreds of free magic shows at schools, youth centres and seniors' homes. Brace was also a founding member of the St. James Optimist Club. "He was very compassionate," said Gunnarson. "He was always into helping his community. He had this soft spot." Brace created the Philip Hornan scholarship, in memory of a young promising magician who passed away at an early age. He single handedly started more Society for Young Magicians chapters than anyone else worldwide. Gunnarson said thousands of Canadian kids with a passion for magic owe Brace a debt of gratitude. "Bill wasn't trying to make the next David Copperfield, he was just trying to give kids confidence and an interest in something," said Gunnarson. In 2000, Brace was honoured with the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award in person by Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson In 2002, Brace was invested in the Order of Manitoba. He was also a lifetime member of numerous organizations including Optimist International, Chamber of Commerce, Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians and the RCMP Veterans Association. Brace, who was predeceased by his wife Margaret, leaves to mourn four children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In accordance with his wishes, no service will be held. |
thorndyke Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
I am very sorry to hear this. Bill was an overwhelming prescence on the Canadian magic scene - as well as in person!
I remember the meetings we used to have for the Circle Seven S.A.M. group at George Smook's Luggage shop back in the 80s. Bill was always there early and we would sit and wait in his car and we would discuss a wide variety of topics; magic, law enforcement, and life in general. He pushed me into performing and speaking in public, made it happen that I was auctioneer for the club, and even had me teach magic at S.Y.M. meetings. During his time in the R.C.M.P. Bill was a body guard for Winston Churchill when he came to Canada, along with fellow magician Paul Hunter. When I failed spectacularly at being a S.A.M. National Deputy he calmly took over and made no fuss about it. I hadn't seen him for a few years, but knew he was not well. I hope we can have some sort of celebration for him. Wherever you are Bill, thanks for everything! |
okito25 Regular user Victoria BC Canada 145 Posts |
Dean . that's a great tribute .. Bill was amazing indeed . even as ill as he was he wrote to our ring as well and kept up with the news .. and took time to poke fun at long time friends , at a focus on a magician point in our club . Mike .. talked about .. Bill .. and was duely suprised when Our president .. came back with an email From Bill Roasting Mike,
Our thoughts go out to Bills family God Speed Bill Keet |
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