Rev. Robert E. Olson (1927-2013)

[Rory Feldman]

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Rev. Robert E. Olson (August 31, 1927 – May 12, 2013). A huge loss to the world (and the world of magic). He was a great man and friend -- and will be deeply missed. His love of magic and Thurston was known by many and his endless knowledge of these topics was amazing.


Our thoughts are with Esther and the rest of his family at this time.


Bob was a magician, collector, author, builder, and illustrator. For many years he performed gospel magic and was noted for his books on magicians. For about ten years Bob's articles on Thurston ran in the Tops Magazine, which later became The World’s Greatest Magician book (1981). His articles appeared in numerous magazines and he appeared on the cover of many.


Here is some of his work:
•The Added Touch (1963)
•Carl Rosini - His Life and His Magic (1966)
•Two Hands - Three Pockets - Four Magic (1966)
•The World's Greatest Magician A Tribute To Howard Thurston (1981)
•Illusion Builder to Fu-Manchu (1986)
•The Complete Life Of Howard Franklin Thurston Volumes 1 & 2 (1993)
•A Magician's Tour - Revisited by Harry Kellar (2000)


Besides magic he had a love for the renaissance and loved to travel.

[Diego]

Sad news. Rev. Olson was a very generous man, as well as very devoted to researching/preserving the magic history of Howard Thurston and others.
He did it out of his respect, passion, and persistence for history, and he did it without the internet and other tools and resources available today.


It was really great to see him at The Magic Collectors Weekend, 2 years ago and hear him speak to the attendees as well.

He was also very supportive and helpful of my own research pursuits.

Thank you Robert Olson!

[mai-ling]

Sorry to hear this.
He was happy to see dad at the MCA weekend 2011.
They were always fond of each other.