The Billet Article - In Memoriam Ron Spencer

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 409 - Feb 2006, Authored by Melvyn Shalks

In Memoriam Ron Spencer

I first met Ron when I was about eleven years old. At that time I lived and breathed magic. Attending a garden party with my cousin, I noted a magician setting his table. That magician was Ron Spencer. Seeing my enthusiasm, he invited me 'backstage' and gave me a private showing of his props. I'll always remember his Jack Hughes flyaway birds which I added to my act some years later.

I did not meet Ron for many years after that and then at a Huddersfield auction I bumped into this smiling man. He immediately remembered me and where we met. This was typical of Ron Spencer.

He was inseparable from his wife Nancy who was the other half of the world-renowned mental act, Ron and Nancy. They performed in America and created a great reputation.

His book is in the Bradford Magic Circle Library.

He was a well beloved dentist in York.

Ron passed away in Nancy's arms on January 11 2006 . Magic will miss him. Ron's funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Monday 23rd January at the York Crematorium and afterwards at the Newington Hotel on Tadcaster Road near the Knavesmire. It was held in the manner of the Society of Friends with a silent Meeting for Worship at which anyone was able to speak to celebrate Ron's life.

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