Dear Magicians,
You will be aware that Martin Breese has been ill for some time, and it is with great sorrow that I tell you he died peacefully and comfortably with his family around him early this morning. I am aware of various notices and tributes that are already appearing in the magical world so shall not attempt to match those. I know that he saw many of you as his personal friends, and was always delighted to hear from you and really appreciated the support that he received over the last year or so.
Martin’s Magic business interests pass to Chris Wasshuber (wasshuber@lybrary.com). For the time being at least I will continue to take orders via the web site or by email in the usual way and to deal with any queries you may have.
I pass on the words of his son James below:
John Hinchliffe Martin Breese International Email john@abracadabra.co.uk www.abracadabra.co.uk
James Breese writes:
I wanted to seize this opportunity to communicate with and thank Martin’s customers ”“ as, I know, the magic community is a very special one ”“ and was an extremely important part of our father’s life. I was, as so many have been I’m sure, inspired by this kind and talented man.
Martin started contributing to the advancement of Magic at a very young age ”“ as you will notice from this inspiring photograph we have asked to be included”¦!!
I had the enormous privilege of being Martin’s son. I was able to list his achievements as he began to pass away and we knew he could hear. He contributed over 60 years of work towards Magic. He supported others at every opportunity. He published a long list of fiction and non-fiction titles and was even a well-respected authority on Modern First Edition books. He also contributed with many other creative endeavours of note.
I am proud, in a way, to say that, when realising that Martin had just a few days left, one of Doctor’s cried and so did many of the hospital nurses. When we thanked a nurse (many of whom had been caring for him for over a year), she said ”œNo ”“ I am grateful to him”. She went on to explain that he had recently written letters on her behalf regarding her accommodation issues, contacted solicitors and made phone calls.
In the last hours, Martin remained playful and cheeky! When attending to his mouth, he ”˜bit’ one of the nurses finger ”“ she called him a cheeky monkey and he grinned the widest grin you could imagine. All this from a man who wasn’t able to speak or hardly breathe at this point. To my memory, the last word I heard him say, when his loving wife Pang asked how he was feeling was a simple and amazing”¦ ”˜good’.
No doubt Martin’s life will continue to inspire and amaze. Only yesterday did I hear from his former wife Jill (they remained close friends) that Martin survived a bomb blast in London during the Blitz of World War Two – to the point that the windows in his room blew out.
This brings me to the last point – he never, ever ”“ not once complained ”“ in his whole life, and certainly not during over a year of intense, near non-stop chemotherapy.
Our whole family is indebted to the amazing team at the Royal Sussex ”“ it’s easy to say, but we cannot tell you how lucky he was to have this breath-taking care. One of the senior consultants, when breaking the news of Martin’s very grave outlook a few days ago ”“ stated what a character Martin was. He then repeated his exact words in a deeply sincere and affectionate manner. He was indeed a character. What a magical life he had, and a life so well lived.
If you would like to offer your reflections on Martin’s life, in particular with reference to those to the world Magic community, we would love to hear these ”“ maybe even if his work or products had a hand in inspiring you. We may even later ask permission to include a few of these in tribute to him. Please send these messages to John’s email address.
James Breese, Martin’s proud and loving son.
Tips-tack till Ulf MörlingÂ