In 2023 we suffered the loss of many friends who have passed away, but whom are not forgotten. Perhaps as we grow older, we are more aware of those who pass. But this last year saw the passing of almost twice as many as were listed in the magic obituaries of 2022.
Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses, assistants and magic aficionados who passed on in 2023. Some may not be as well-known to you, but they were my personal friends (hey, it is my blog!). If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog.
Those whose names are highlighted with a “hot link” were featured or interviewed here on The Magic Word Podcast. It was not my original intent when I began this journey to chronicle the voices before they left us, but I am so thankful that I did sit down with many of these friends for lively, and sometimes intimate, conversations. You can click on their name to revisit and listen to their voices again.
Joe Stevens
Scott Alexander
Bob King
George Kimery
Karl Fulves
Véronique Ross
Greg Koren
Maria Ibanez
Thom Peterson
Gloria Metzner aka Gloria Dea
Harry Lorayne
Dr. Edwin “Eddie” Dawes
George Silverman
Dan Witkowski
Milton “Milt” Page Larsen
Ricky D. Boone
Dan Garrett
Larry Becker
Darwin Ortiz
Dirk Arthur
Dick Gustafson
Leo Behnke
Graham Putnam
Jeff Lanes
David Berglas
Jack Delvin
Tom Craven
Micky Hades
Bill Goldman
Tommy Smothers
