PAGE 12.
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The Demise Of Charles.
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| Charles got
up bright and cheerful on the morning of 7th. January 2001, shortly after Alex.
Soon afterwards, whilst sitting in his favorite chair, he stood up
clutching his side and crying out in pain. Following this he slumped to
the floor and Alex tried to get him comfortable. Noticing that his skin
color was changing for the worse, she phoned for an ambulance and
Charles was rushed to hospital where he died about 10-45. X-rays had
been taken and the doctor told Alex that Charles had had a major aneurysm
in the stomach.
Overview Of The Funeral Service by Adrian Harris. 'Please
stand and raise your (imaginary) glass and toast the memory of Charles
W. Cameron'. With
these words, the Rev. Colin McAuley welcomed the two to three hundred
people who had gathered at Warriston Crematorium on Saturday 13th
January, 2000 to bid
farewell to the Godfather of Bizarre Magik.
Simultaneously, at 11am GMT, Bizarrists in various parts of
U.S.A. were raising a glass of Charles's favourite tipple, the Famous
Grouse in his memory. There
was standing room only at what the Chaplain described was going to be a
service with a difference. And was it!
First the hymns, 'Onward
Christian Soldiers', ‘Lord of the Dance’ and 'Mine eyes have
seen the Glory' (The Battle Hymn of the Republic), all very lively and
sung with great gusto by the congregation. A
full resume of Charles life was given and in particular, his role as a
founder member of Edinburgh Magic Circle. At an early age, he developed
an interest in Mentalism, Psychic research, the Occult, the Supernatural
and anything of a bizarre nature. This was to pay dividends when he ran
the 'Count Dracula Theatre' in Edinburgh's famous Wax Works for some
three years in the late 1980's. He also had regular Newspaper columns, a
regular radio slot on Radio Forth as well as having numerous television
appearances. He also gave lectures on these subjects both at home and
overseas, including the Magic Castle in California. As if this was not
enough, Charles was also well known and respected for his great charity
work throughout Edinburgh with a special mention of The Poppy Day Appeal
when he 'rattled his can'. Charles authored 13 books during his lifetime, and in October 1967 published the first issue of 'The Cauldron' which ran for 11 issues. The Magik Club, of which Charles was also Patron, has been reprinting this very rare magazine free to club members. I am pleased to have been able to offer my own file of this interesting magazine to the Magik Club to allow the project to proceed, as apparently even Charles did not have a complete set ! Among
those attending the service were representatives from Edinburgh Magic
Circle, Lothian M.C., Scottish Conjurors Association, Paisley M.C.,
Kircaldy M.C., Perth M.C., The Scottish Association of Magical Societies
and of course The Magik Club. His
long time friend, and fellow Magik Club founder member, Karl Bartoni,
carried out the Broken Wand ceremony during the service. Karl's moving
personal tribute touched everyone and the lay people in particular found
it quite dramatic. 'Representing the magic fraternity all over the world and especially your many friends unable to be here today - - we thank and honor you for your overwhelming kindness and major contribution to the world of Bizarre Magic… you started it all. You will live forever in our hearts and thoughts. Farewell dear Godfather and friend. Enjoy the Big Rock Candy Mountain.' For
the past three years there has been a small gathering of bizarrists in
the historic old part of Edinburgh. A small public house (tavern) dating
back to the 16th Century. Charles
loved this weekend, and along with his partner, Alex, the hospitality
provided was unsurpassable. The Gathering as it was known WILL continue,
only now it will be renamed the Charles Cameron Memorial Gathering. |