CHAIRMAN OF THE AMA BOARD OF TRUSTEES PASSES

I just received this sad news via email and the Magic Castle forums:

As many of you have already heard, we received word today of the passing of Mark Nelson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Here are the details about which many have asked. 

 Jean Boyle, long-time close friend of Mark's, became concerned when he didn't return her phone calls. At almost the same time, Dave Clement called Jean to say that Mark had not called in to do the Castle phone recordings for a couple of days. 

Jean was even more concerned and drove out to Mark's home. A few days worth of newspapers greeted her so she knew something was terrible wrong. Jean called Mark's parents and his sister, Vicki, who then called 9-1-1 from San Francisco. Save & Close

The police came and, somehow, looked though a window. Their visual confirmed that Mark had already passed. They, then, broke in the door and determined that Mark had been dead for "a couple of days." They did not permit Jean to see Mark. 

Jean called Vicki who had already made arrangements to get down to LA as soon as possible. 

The mortuary was called. 

I wanted to go to Mark's to wait with Jean but she asked me to go to the Castle in case anyone had questions.

I went but I didn't stay long as I was too upset. When I spoke to Jean again around 8:15 PM, a couple of her friends were with her, including one who was able to fix the door so that they could lock it after the mortuary took Mark away. 

So, those are the facts. Mark was also a long-time friend of mine (as he was everyone's friend) and he stayed in my guest room for quite a while several years ago. 

Mark Nelson had the greatest smile in the world. The voice of the Magic Castle has, sadly, been silenced.

My personal condolences to his family and friends.