An Abbotsford magician received a pleasant surprise in Chilliwack earlier this month.
Magician Gord Boyes unexpectedly received a presidential citation from Joe Turner, the international president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, at a convention Boyes was running.
Among the verbiage on the award it states “…his commitment to the enhancement of the art of magic is demonstrated in his exceptional and award-winning work as an editor, convention producer, and professional entertainer."
In the past Boyes has been presented with numerous awards, including Comedy Magician of the Year, Kidabra Entertainer of the Year, and Children’s Magician of the Year, but he says this one is special.
“My main concern is always about entertaining people and helping them create awesome memories, but having my efforts and accomplishments recognized by my peers and by someone of the stature of Joe Turner is a great honor and this award is something I’ll treasure,” Boyes said.
From Nov. 19 to Nov. 22, approximately 130 magicians from across North America gathered at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel for the 82nd annual convention of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM).
This convention is held in a different city along the Pacific Coast each year, and this year Boyes – the PCAM president – and co-producer Mike Norden decided to hold it in Chilliwack.
Boyes moved to Abbotsford in 2005 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Soon after moving to Abbotsford, Boyes and his son Jesse joined the Vancouver Magic Circle, and a few years later Boyes became president of that organization.
For several years Boyes and Jesse performed a father and son act named The Magic Boyes, and when Jesse decided to concentrate on other activities, Boyes continued to perform solo as The Great Gordini.
In the spring of 2012, Boyes was one of the founding members of the Fraser Valley Magic Circle and two years later became president of that organization.
For more information, visit the Fraser Valley Magic Circle at www.fvmc.ca . For more about The Great Gordini, visit www.BirthdayMagic.ca