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AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
I just got this from Shawn:
Since I've not heard from anyone regarding this I just wanted to let everyone know that John Novak passed away, I believe it was in September. A sad loss. About two years ago I was given 90 min audio tape letter from John ca. 1979, on there John had stated he had enough material for at least 12 books in the Art of escape series, two had been finished, both were on the Milk Can Escape. I have tried tracking down where those books were and I believe Mark Cannon has/was going to do the same after I made a copy of the tape for him. No one seems to know anything about the books and with John's passing they may never see the light of day. Take Care, Shawn Ness |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
Wasn't it in July I beleive it was in the Magic magazine with the Pendragons in it.
Tony if you have the September 2004 issue of Magic look on page 27. John Novak is in bold type it says he died on July 17 and that he was 73. |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
John Novak was an interesting, giving, and hardworking man. He took an escape show into public school assembly venues and did well.
He actually went out of his way to catch my "Milk Can" act when I played a small college gig at Quincy College in Quincy, Illinois. John spent several hours with me after the show, talking about my presentation (gave valuable performance tips), my version of the gaffed can (it was my own design with a couple of safety features making it much safer than the Houdini model still being built and sold), and giving me his entire handcuff act and permission to use any part (or all) of it. He and I did a dueling cups and balls routine later in the evening at a local College Pub/hangout. I have fond memories of the fun we had that evening. Sadly, our paths never crossed again. We did write a few times the first few years after our meeting, but even that drifted away over the years. He generously sent me copies of a couple of his videos (still being carried by Stevens I believe). I am saddened hearing about his death and feel as if I have lost an old friend.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
Yes Don, you're right, I just got an update from Shawn that it was July 17. I can't beleieve that this is the first post about this on this board, I really should read those Magic magazines instead of just tossing them on the pile. I will always regret not having met Mr. Novak. I consider him one of the pioneers of Escapology as it was from his series on "The Art of Escape" that I had my first real exposure to this art.
Mr. Murphy, I consider you very fortunate to have had a relationship with John, and I for one would like to hear more stories about him when you are so inclined. Best regards, Tony Parisi |
thorndyke Regular user Canada 147 Posts |
I guess this brings up a point that is uncomfortable for most of us. How much does someone mean to you? How much does someone who directly or indirectly inspired you matter, and have you told them? We have no way of knowing when someone will leave us, and there is no way you can tell them after they've gone. I have the Novak books, and it honestly never occured to me to try and contact him to say how much I liked them. For his time period, when there was very little being published - he provided a service to escapology and deserved some sort of recognition of that.
At the next INDY, lets take amoment to celebrate his life and work, and chose someone still living to celebrate the work THEY have done and make that a ritual while we still can. |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
I don't think there will be a Indy next year. most likely California.
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AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
Indy, California or South Dakota, it's a very good idea. Thanks Thorndyke, I'll pass that on to Mark Cannon if you like.
Best regards, Tony Parisi |
MarkTripp Special user Michigan 618 Posts |
Well, not wanting to take this thread down a different path...
...but for many of us CA is just too out of the way to work. I can swing in to Indy on my school show route... ...CA is WAY off my path. |
SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
I know of hardly anyone from my generation who got into escapes and did not own or read the works of Mr. Novak.
It is sad to hear of his passing. Steve Santini |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
If Cali is out of the Way how about Canada ?
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SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
Yes, you could safely say Canada is "out of the way" for many.
Steve Santini |
MarkTripp Special user Michigan 618 Posts |
Well, kinda depends on where in Canada? It is a large place...
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SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
I know Mark.
I live here. Steve Santini |
MarkTripp Special user Michigan 618 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-11-11 18:17, SANTINI wrote: Wow... that must be a BIG house... ..to live in all of Canada. :P |
SANTINI Loyal user SANTINI 293 Posts |
What a profound statement!
Actually, I wish THIS house were bigger. To much stuff, too little room. Steve Santini |
GUNNARSON New user 62 Posts |
This is very sad to hear of John Novak's passing. Even sader that it took this long for the escape community to hear about it.
Like Steve said , His work was the main body of information for most of us starting out back then. He should hold an important spot with all of us. Good idea Bruce! I am grateful for his work! Dean Gunnarson |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
I wish he would of done more books or information.
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BARNABAS New user Streamwood IL, USA 16 Posts |
Does anyone have any information on Mr.Novak's final rsting place??? I would like to visit his gravesite if he has one. I believe he was last living in Ohio? He was a great infuence on me. I would like to obtain a copy of his autograph, it will be tattooed on my right ankle.
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
John was living in Cleveland Ohio. You might do a search of the Cleveland Plain Dealer archives to find it the resting place is mentioned in the obit.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
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