Dennis Chan - In Memoriam

RIP Dennis! I have known that man since I got into the Vancouver Magic Circle. He loved live, people and magic!!! Rest in Peace buddy, you were one of the good ones! Magic always,
Murray

Here's Dennis and a bunch of his other "young" friends back in 2005 at a VMC Picnic.
Dennis will be missed by all who knew him. A true gentleman.

It would pain me to try to write another tribute to my dear friend, so I'm including the post I wrote on Facebook. It took hours and many tissues to compose this one.

For the past forty years I have had the pleasure of being friends with Dennis "Bulldog" Chan. In his prime, Dennis's strike second deal was invisible. He tried multiple times to teach me it, but I would never reach his level.

He was the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Vancouver Magic Circle for more than a decade, perhaps two, hence the nickname "Bulldog". Try to show someone a card trick during the business meeting, and you'd discover your mistake quite quickly! He kept a diligent record of attendance of every member and guest to ever enter a meeting. He was the first person most guest would meet and he was most welcoming. He was friendly, always smiling, and full happiness.

On top of that he was also our Librarian and keeper of the book collection. It is no small collection and he did a fine job making sure we returned our books on time.

If you are a member of the I.B.M. you will see he was our Ring Reporter for the Linking Ring magazine, and I can safely say I don't think he missed a single report in all the years he was charged with this task. The reports were thorough and thoughtful. He always did his best to thank and acknowledge everyone who did anything to benefit the Ring.

Dennis was also an awesome chef. His home kitchen was like a restaurant and we all discovered just how good he was during our early annual picnics. In the early days Dennis would show up in full chef regalia to prepare the feast!

Dennis didn't drive, so members like Graham Kita, Alex Zander, and myself would pick him up if time permitted, and when it didn't, well he'd take the city bus! You have no idea what that means in Vancouver. It would be hours on the bus and plenty of transfers, but he never failed to make a meeting, or special event.

A special thanks to Graham Kita, who really helped Dennis tremendously in these last few years.

\May 1st, Dennis passed away and his presences will be truly missed by so many in the magic and ventriloquism community. This coming Christmas will feel different when I don't receive his annual call on Christmas morning, to wish me the very best.

The end of an era: Dennis was there from the beginning, over 15 years ago when I first joined and much longer than that; those who posted about him have said it better than I can right now....I will miss him, he was one of a kind.
Rest in magical heaven Dennis.

I will miss his greeting to me in French every time we met. I replied back, however, my French is limited.

Dennis showed me his mischievous side too. At the banquet in March he sat at our table. Then he took out a bottle of Buckley’s cough syrup, winked at me and took a swig. I never met anyone who liked that cough syrup. Or was it cough syrup? Magicians never reveal their secrets.

I collaborated with him on the report to IBM International regarding our presentation of a presidential citation to Quincy Li, owner of the Clownin’ Around Magic Shop. His draft of the report was accurate and to the point. I didn’t have to add too much.

The club and the magic community have lost a great friend and contributor. May Dennis rest in peace.

I speak for everyone when I say Dennis Chan gave so much to the magic community in Vancouver. His presence will be missed and the meetings won’t be the same without him. Rest in peace “Bulldog”.

In Loving Memory of Dennis “Bulldog” Chan
It is with deep sadness and regret that we share the passing of our dear friend and long-standing member of the Vancouver Magic Circle (34 years)Dennis "Bulldog" Chan on Thursday, May 1st.
Dennis was more than a magician, he was a pillar of our club. For decades, he faithfully served as our Sergeant-at-Arms, always ensuring order with a warm smile and gentle firmness.
He wore many hats in our club: Librarian, Historian, Ring Reporter for The Linking Ring magazine, to only cite a few. His commitment was unmatched. Dennis never missed a report, a club meeting, an executive meeting or an opportunity to give thanks to people who volunteered their time to support the magic community. At each and every club meeting he would take attendance, take notes about what we were doing, and maintain order.
Those lucky enough to know him personally knew a man full of joy, generosity, and humility. Whether it was his impeccable second deal or his signature Christmas morning calls, Dennis left a magical mark on us all. For the longest time he stored and kept track of all of the trophies and housed the VMC library and all of the items for each of the meetings needed throughout the year . Dennis was always a main organizer of the Christmas potluck dinner and Picnic. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Thank you Dennis, for everything you gave to our community.