Ming Louie writes...
John Edward Osborne, 83, of Detroit, Michigan died October 24, 2022. He was a founding member of Ring 210. John was born June 13, 1939 in Grosse Pointe Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and spent his entire life performing as a Magician, Ventriloquist, Medicine Show Pitchman, and Punch & Judy Puppeteer.
He wrote many books on comedy, double talking, and vent dummies. Most of his creative output was sold by Abbotts Magic in Colon, Michigan and is still available today. John was both friend and acquaintance to the greats and near-greats. A young Jeff Hobson once worked as a roady for John. John He worked extensively through the Midwest and Canada performing for many years at the Canadian National Exhibition and the Calgary Stampede along with boiler room tours and as a booking agent.
He was a generous and kind elder statesman among magicians, and represented an earlier era of performer whose entire life was given over to magic and to whom the romance of the road never diminished. He is survived by his older brother Raymond, Raymond's wife Judith, two nephews, a niece, and cousin Mary Lou of Detroit.
A hui hou John.
Ming Louie
Club Member Kevin Peshik wrote John Osborne's biography. He provided the below pictures from his archives.
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- John Osborne Pitchman
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- John’s Publicity Shot
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- John and Clancy
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- John and Clancy
Karl Rabe here: On a personal note, I first really met John at one of our club banquets, photo below. John was an elder statesman of the profession that was quick witted and possessed a seaminess endless number of jokes and anecdotes to keep one regaled.
Karl Rabe and John Osborn
Friends, Family and many from the Magic community attended a memorial service held for John Osborne at the Bone Yard Restaurant in Livonia, MI. (Photos courtesy of Jackie Clark). Tad Dickerson bought a seven foot canvas sideshow banner of John as Doc Robin Steel. John's family was well represented and appreciative of the gathering. Many shared thoughts and remembrances of John. Jeff Hobson sent a video message that was played. The AAMC Board conducted a broken wand ceremony. And finally Michael Mode led everyone in a final standing ovation for John.
Don Oesterwind (Sgt at Arms), Karl Rabe (Secretary), Dan Jones (President), Sean Howell (Vice-Press)
