Mathis, George W. Age 82, of Grosse Ile, Michigan, beloved husband of Barbara for 61 years, passed away on June 19th, 2017.
George was a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. He always enjoyed seeing good magic and attended many magic lectures over the years. He loved to laugh, always had a smile on his face and was great with children. He was involved in clowning and collecting all types of magic. He was a master woodworker and made not only furniture pieces but also, various magic props for himself and his friends over many years.
He was the loving father of Jeannie Mathis, George (Michele) Mathis and Wendy (Thomas) Drouillard, the proud grandfather of Nate, Miranda (Joe), George, Cory and Cody (Chelsey), the great grandfather of Lucas and Ryleigh and the dear brother of Millie Bardell and Helen (Wayne) Berke. George is survived also by many nieces and nephews.
A Broken Wand Ceremony was held for George, his family and friends on Friday June 23rd, 2017 and was performed by members of the Ann Arbor Magic Club where George was a Lifetime Member. He was also a member of Ring 22 in Clawson, Michigan.
Club President, John Russell, wrote.
It was my sad honor and privilege to conduct the Broken Wand ceremony and funeral service for one of our beloved lifetime members, George Mathis, on Friday, June 23rd. Here is some of what I shared:
To the magician, the magic wand is his symbol. In reality, it is nothing more than a simple stick, usually painted black with white tipped ends. In this case, George, the woodworker, made this one himself. It is nothing more than a theatrical prop. And yet while it has no “magic powers,” used during performance it comes to life to intrigue the eye, mystify the mind, and move people to awe and wonder. Our magic illusion craft deepens with the use of this symbol.
We do something today that has a long history in the magic community. We acknowledge that without a magician to wield it, the wand ceases to have its strength and power. Magicians have lost a brother with the passing of George, and today we break this wand as yet another symbol, a symbol of passing. George has done a feat that none of us who are alive have ever done. He has moved over into another realm, a dimension of existence that only those who have moved from life into death can experience. He has passed over into mysteries that only he can know. George, we will miss you.
Thank you, George for your friendship and the joy you brought to so many with your performances and enthusiasm for magic. On behalf of The Ann Arbor Magic Club, we honor you this day.
