Our past President Roger sadly passed away in February 2025 which was a shock to all that knew him.
Thanks to his marriage to Amanda we were lucky to be blessed with his presence in the West country and his membership of the two local magic clubs one of which, The Bath Circle, he became its ‘rock’ and longest serving President keeping it organised, starting up an annual funding auction and hosting summer barbecues. Only last year he organised its move to a new venue.
He moved from the USA to England in 2015 and was well known as one half of the Card Shark dealership creating illusions such as the ‘Bar Cup’ and ‘The Sword of Za’atar’ used by magicians around the world. These were made by Roger himself in his Melksham workshop. Since arriving in the UK he had also qualified as a hypnotherapist and set up Wiltshire Hypnotherapy helping people to lose weight and quit smoking. He also took part in the Covid 19 vaccination programme. Last year Roger inaugurated “The Seance Society of Great Britain” reflecting his interest in the ‘spooky’ side of things. Roger couldn’t sit still for long!
Born in Wellsville, New York state, his stage act paid his way through college, followed by a varied career from managing restaurants to a huge dance club at Niagara Falls, a bar magician at Thurston’s Palace of Mystery in Buffalo, running his own magic bar, his own magic shop The Magic Attic, as well as working in youth custody. Roger also had close links with the unique Four Fs convention finding it a new home at one of the venues he managed.
On March 4th a large assembly gathered in Corsham to celebrate Roger’s life and say farewell to a great and inventive magician who will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched with his generous spirit, mischievous humour and magical knowledge. The Great Baldini carried out the broken wand ceremony on behalf of the Bristol and Bath societies.
After the scattering of his ashes we left to the theme of Ghostbusters, a touch I’m sure would have amused him.
Paul Preager
