July 21st
Harold D. Russell
The Broken Wand Ceremony was at 6:00pm on Sunday, July 27, 2008, as requested by his daughter Sharon and another at a later date for those who will miss the actual funeral services due to the convention in Louisville.
Most of the magicians of St. Louis and the surrounding areas attended, over 60 in all and that's just counting the magicians.
It was my deep honor to have performed the Broken Wand Ceremony for Harold. I first saw him perform after an Assembly 8 meeting when I was just a 14 year old Associate member. I wanted to be as comfortable on stage, funny and entertaining as he was, but then of course we all wanted that.
The Funeral on the following Monday was very moving with family and friends recalling such magical moments in their lives that Harold had given special meaning. One such powerful moment was when Carl Grice performed the torn and restored news paper, one with Harold on the full front page of the insert, and did not need speak a word to move us all.
The last time I saw Harold was at the S.A.M. Assembly 8 installation banquet. I never imagined that this man, who had brought so much happiness, would ever bring so me much sadness. We will miss him deeply.
Dan Todd, President of Assembly 8
The Sunday paper, Section D - bottom right, states that the Funeral is Monday - correct.
The next sentence mentions the Broken Wand Ceremony but that was on Sunday.
St. Louis Post Dispatch Sunday 7/27/2008
Comments:
"There will never be another like Harold D. Russell...how will his
Extravaganza he had every year...how will that be handled now? This is
very upsetting ...I thought he just had a mild illness."
Robert Campbell
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"Please pass on our condolences to Harold D.'s family as well as everyone
in Assembly 8. We will be leaving town on Saturday, and probably not
returning until late the following Saturday. Please keep us informed as to
the details on the Broken Wand. We might be able to make that, we'll just
have to see."
"We were friends for many years. I know that I've not been active in the
Assembly for quite a while, but, Harold D. will be greatly missed. He
never had a cross word to say about anyone, and was always there to help
out. He could bring a smile to anyone's face. He was one of the "Great
People" that made the world a better place."
Charles & Beverly Browne
July 10th
Torn and Restored Lecture
by
Shaun Rivera
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Shaun has won several awards for his performances but he told us that this was his first lecture. He could have fooled me. He had very professionally printed lecture notes on quality paper. His notes were accurate and supported what we heard. He was courteous and answered all questions and allowed the audience to share their views, opinions and observations. |
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He gave credit and acknowledgements to everyone that had contributed to the Torn and Restored card effect. Some of them gave him permission to perform the effect and others gave permission to explain their version. |
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He demonstrated visual restorations of each portion of the card. In the end the restored/signed card could be handed out to the spectator as a souvenir. Very powerful stuff. Ask anyone who was there and they will attest to the quality and toughness' of his lecture. |
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You can be sure that we will be hearing more about Shaun Rivera. The crowd in attendance was mostly due to his existing name draw. I had the privilege to get his very first signed lecture notes and others followed suit. |
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Almost everyone went to Stake&Shake after the lecture and connected about 9 tables together. The cards were flying and John Davit was making one dollar rings for the waitresses. Remember, with the SAM/IBM Convention at the end of this month and the Midwest Magic Jubilee the beginning of August, there will be no meeting until Thursday August 14th. Dan Todd, President of Assembly 8 |
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