John Calvert

John Calvert passed away on September 27, 2013 in Lancaster, California at the age of 102.



Born in New Trenton, Indiana on August 5, 1911 to Naomi (Bonar) and Elbern Frederick Calvert, he was first impressed with magic at 8 years old when the magician daredevil Lester Lake, drove his fathers school bus blindfolded with John and other children on board! It was also then that he saw Thurstons Wonder Show of the Universe. The experience left him awed and inspired.



His magic show grew from small tricks to large illusions and finally broke all records after his third engagement at Lowes State Theater in New York. He took his show all over the world in his Douglas DC 3 Mystic Lady airliner and also on his several yachts, one of which he called Magic Castle.



John made friends everywhere he went. Magicians looked up to him, admired him and enjoyed being in his presence. His charismatic personality and dignified persona drew thousands of fans that never forgot him.



In 1960, while playing Singapore, John hired an 18-year-old girl named Barbara de Mello. He called her Tammy. They married and she became his beautiful assistant. They toured the world, and Tammy shared in all the drama and adventure of Johns life.



In his sunset years John and Tammy gave numerous lectures, and they encouraged countless young magicians. John became an icon in magics worldwide fraternity. As his friends Ray and Ann Goulet often said, He was forever interesting and things happened when you were with John and Tammy.



John was a man who welcomed challenges and surmounted obstacles. He faced his audiences unafraid. One evening on his yacht I remarked, I like the twilight. John responded, Dont you like the dawn better when things begin? He had a horizon in mind, something to head for, and something in the future. He told me that All the worlds a stage, and every morning when I get up, I decide that today I will play the part of a young man.



Wherever John and Tammy went they always found a church and attended when they could. They had a divine perspective and were examples of civility.



With his passing Im sure everyone will have a story to tell about John. In fact, well all be talking about John for a long time to come. He was easy to remember because he had a talent for making you remember him.

God bless the soul of John Calvert in the realms of light.

Author of John Calvert:

Magic and Adventures Around the World



He is survived by his wife, Tammy; his brother, Bernard; daughter, Madren; son, John and four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; five nephews and two nieces.





A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at 11am at White Emerson Mortuary Chapel.

Interment will follow the service at Magnolia Memorial Park in Garden Grove, California.,