RIP: Dennis Loomis

[Dustin Stinett]

Dennis Loomis passed away at the age of 70. Denny's column in M-U-M was always a great read (he was great friends with Doug Henning). He was a raconteur of the modern era of magic. I didn't know him well, but I always enjoyed talking with him on the occasions we were at the same conventions or he was in town. He will be missed.

[luigimar]

Sorry to hear this. My condolences to family and friends.

(2 magicians gone in 1 week, sad days...)

[Mark Phillips]

I'm stunned. He was doing a touring, school fundraising show back when I was in High School and worked for our marching band two years in a row. He was a very nice guy, did an excellent, professional show and even let an eager kid do the Anderson newspaper tear on his show.

My condolences to his family and friends - thanks for the break Dennis.

Mark Phillips

[Q. Kumber]

Really sorry to read this. We met twice and it was obvious Dennis was a real world working pro.

Many years ago I enrolled in a woodworking class to make up his version of the Doll House illusion, which must be the most deceptive ever designed.

His postings on the Cafe were always full of good solid advice.

R.I.P. Dennis

Quentin

[Bibliophage]

23 nice gifts from him to us right here:

http://dennisloomis.com/memdeck/index.html

[Jeremy Greystoke]

Shocked and stunned. I knew Dennis from when I lived in Michigan a batch of years ago, and it was always great fun to run into him at conventions. His monthly articles in M-U-M were always a highlight (especially his comments regarding the infamous and legendary S&M act) and to say he'll be missed is an understatement. Once again we lose someone far, far too soon....

Jeremy

[JimAlfredson]

A real shock. Denny was raised in a small town some 40 miles from where I write this, and I first met him--and Doug Henning--at an Abbott Get-Together many years ago. We kept in touch off-and-on over the years, and he was a great guy. His attention to detail in his magic assured always excellent performances; he was a fine entertainer. So Long, Denny; I'll remember our past meetings with great pleasure.

[Evan Shuster]

So sorry to here this! Denny and I corresponded now and then via email, and he always had a funny or fascinating story to tell, often about his earlier days in magic. He had some great stories about Doug Henning, among others, and he always seemed eager to share.

[Richard Kaufman]

Will someone volunteer to write a short obit: 250 words or so, for Genii?
I also need a photo. Send to moobooks@verizon.net.

[Richard Kaufman]

Bump! I could use a volunteer for this.

[Bill Marquardt]

Richard, I did not know Dennis but I have sent a notice to someone who did know him, and perhaps you will get a response by tomorrow or the next day.

[Richard Kaufman]

Thanks.

[F.Amílcar]

Dear friends,

Our most sincre condolences to his family an friends fron Barcelona-Spain.

Truly yours,

F. Amilcar Riega i Bello.

[Rick Benstock]

Not sure how to reply to a post. I was very close to Dennis Loomis when we both lived in Ann Arbor. Dennis introduced me to magic and we sessioned together often. We also shared illegal substances and I crashed on his couch many many times. I met Doug Henning in his living room.

However it was so long ago (though we exchanged emails again the past few years), I can't really provide a biography. And I don't have a photo. We were good friends, like brothers, "back in the day." I am still in shock.

[atkinsod]

So sad to hear it. Dennis was very kind to me with information about Chop Cups for my website some years back. He worked with Jim Riser on the Micro Chop Cup, which was a great little set and a good routine.

[Gregory Schultz]

I will miss him. I thought he was a very talented innovative magician. Saw him perform many times. He did a great lecture in the 70's. I altered some equipment of mine due to that. When I got on the internet I found him and corresponded some with him. Really kind man. One of a kind. If I remember right, didn't he freak out either the IBM or SAM convention with a kind of S & M routine where he removed his assistants dress at one point?

[Mark Paulson]

I read in MAGIC magazine today that Dennis took his own life. I hadn't heard that before. Any truth to that?

[Dustin Stinett]

I had not heard that. I don't get Magic anymore, but I believe Dick Oslund wrote the obit for it. Dick was Denny's best friend in the world, so if he says it, it's true. Very sad.