Don England

[kkelly]

I am very sorry to have to report the passing of Don England today. Don had been dealing with some severe health issues in the last two years and was not able to sustain the fight. He passed peacefully in his sleep during the night.

Sad Times.

Kevin Kelly

[Richard Kaufman]

Don was a brilliant creator of magic ... a pity. He was only in his mid sixties.

[Jim Martin]

Don was so very gracious and truly a brilliant innovator.
Rest in peace, Don England.

[Dustin Stinett]

Sad news. Another name to add to the list. I hate that list.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[Jon Racherbaumer]

I too am saddened by Don England passing. He was an active part of the Marlo Sodality in the 70s with others such as Dave Solomon, Steve Draun, and Simon Aronson. He also collaborated with Richard Kaufman and I on the landmark book titled GAFFED TO THE HILT in 1985 and he made all the special gaffed cards by hand. His book DON ENGLAND’S T.K.O.s came out in 1980 and his Paradox (with Kevin Kelly) came out in 2001. He also recently lectured on the Penguin Live Lecture series. He invented the best-selling “Plastic Lady” and “The Zig-Zag Card,” plus several other effects. Over the years he posted countless videos on YouTube. Don was 68 years old. R.I.P., old friend.

[Matthew Field]

I had many dealings with Don over the year, all of them pleasant. I edited "Paradox" and dealt mostly with Kevin Kelly, but a few times with Don.

Don's handlings of effects were always smooth, gentle and accompanied by mystical music. Here's one, but you'll find others on YouTube as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTcORp6GxvY

Take a look at how he has re-thought the plot, with the cards traveling back and forth, his handling of the Rub-a-Dub vanish, his off-handed proving of the singularity of the cards.

It's too bad this clip doesn't show his face.

I'm sorry I never got a chance to meet Don in person. He was a most talented card lover, creator and performer. I admired him on so many levels.

He will be sorely missed.

Matt Field

[Tom Frame]

It’s a sad day indeed. Don was an ingenious creator, a smooth performer, a gentle man and a friend. I treasure the time that I was able to spend with him.

I was honored that Don asked me to write his next book. Sadly, the project never reached fruition due to his declining health.

We are fortunate that his inspired work lives on in the form of his many YouTube videos.

Don made me think, made me smile and enriched my life.

Rest in peace, buddy.

[Jonathan Townsend]

Not so long ago Don posted helpful dialog with links to his videos. And offered items with his pen-and-ink art. Last night the news of his passing came as a surprise. Thinking of those posts, books, gaffs, art... they feel different today. I liked his approach to our craft focusing on direct magical effect. Today it's different to suggest someone look or post a question to see if Don England has any work on a trick.

[Will Jung]

Will be keeping Mr. England, his family, and friends in my thoughts.

[traceyherbert]

Very surprised to hear this. I was going to call him soon to do
a bunch of neon sign work for my business. He was very good at what he did.

[jwizard]

Don's daughter has set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money to cover funeral expenses.

http://www.gofundme.com/donengland

[strangebrew]

OMG! I just learned of his passing. He was from my home town of Champaign/Urbnana. Diabetes is such a horrible disease.