Milt
Kort (1917-2003)
Obituary:
You can read the Milt's obituary as written in one of his local newspapers. These are the people who knew him best and knew what a great man he was. You can read the article by right clicking here, and going to "Save Target As". You will need to have Adobe Acrobat in order to view it
Book of Condolences:
Scott Drebus
I am sad to announce that the wonderful magician and wonderful man Milt Kort
passed away earlier today. I don't have any other details yet, but I'll keep
you all posted as soon as I hear more. This is definitely a crippling blow to
the magic world for he contributed a lot of knowledge over the years. I am privileged
to have known him personally, though not as personally as I would've liked. If
you don't know much about this man, read through Modern Coin Magic by Bobo. Most
of the effects in there where contributed by Milt. Also, read Kort by Stephen
Minch. Milt's stories and anecdotes alone are worth the price of the book. And
finally, here on Magic Bunny we have an interview with the legend himself. Kort
will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to spread the
wonders of magic to others as he has always done in the past.
Damien
I'm very sorry to hear of that.
After his involvement with Magic Bunny, I did find out a little
bit more about this man. From what I gather he was an important
part in the magic world.
My deepest sympathies
go out to anyone who will be personally affected by this news.
May he rest in peace.
Damien
Gary Scott
My heart goes out to his family
and friends who must have been so influenced by this man. I
know our own Mike Jay will be deeply affected by this and
my thoughts are with him too. I
wish I had gotten the chance to meet him. So much he could
have told me. His work will live on through us and everyone
he ever touched with his magic.
Peace
Gary Scott
Nigel Shelton
I am deeply upset regarding this news. Milt was an active and supportive member
of these boards and despite never having met this gentleman, he passed on so
much via his replies and input to these boards as well as to the whole magic
community. I am also aware that his daughter is a member of these forums too
and my heart goes out to Sandra and the other members of his family at this distressing
time.
I am truly sad on hearing this
news but grateful, at least, for having known this true gentleman
during these past few months.
My sincere condolences to all
members of Milt's family.
Nigel Shelton.
Michael Jay
Thank you, Scott, for calling me. I would have been completely devastated to
read that on these pages without any prior knowledge of Kort's demise. What
a loss.
A loss for his family - Kort was
one of the kindest and warmest of men that I've ever had the
pleasure to meet. It must have been truly wonderful to grow
up knowing him as, "Dad." My sincerest condolences to Sandra and the rest of
his family, whom I don't know.
A loss to his friends - And Kort had droves of those. It
was only natural for an outgoing and friendly chap such
as he. Those who knew him best will be overwrought with
grief, my condolences to you all.
A loss to the magic community
- We've just lost a walking encyclopaedia of magic history,
technique and knowledge. Kort had an almost photographic memory
and could recall effects from originators of those effects
from decades past. Many effects that are considered commonplace
today were shared with Kort before they ever saw the light
of day in magic circles. Kort was sought out by many of the
greats of the past for his insight and advice. Like the giants
that came before Kort, he is irreplaceable and a great loss
to the magic community.
A loss to me - I was only just
getting to know Kort. I wanted to speak with him much more
than I ever got the chance to at the Monday evening meetings
that he attended on some of the nights when I happened to
be there. Problem was, he didn't know me all that well and
his attention was drawn by many of the other members - I did
not wish to appear pretentious or pushy.
Kort was that nugget of gold on
a beach that you always wished you could find. I found it,
but it was taken from me before I got to fully appreciate
what I had. I'll miss you Kort. My deepest condolences Sandra.
Mike.
NickW
To Sandra and all Milt's family.
Please add my condolences and
prayers to those you will doubtless receive from all over
the magic community.
Andy D
I would also like to add my condolences
at this time.
Although I only knew this great
man through his spot as a Guest Speaker, I know that he has
left behind a legacy that will live through time eternal.
My thoughts are with Sandra and
all other family members.
Sean
I can't add much to what's been said. I also only know Milt through the guest
speaker forum and of course his mentions in MCM. This is a great loss to the
magical community and his family. Very sorry for your loss.
MagicSamX
My prayers and condolences to all of Mr Kort's Family.
Michael Jay
We must never forget those who've
come before us and men like Kort were one in a million.
Mike.
Slickfingers
It's always saddening to here of the death of someone who has contributed so
much to what we love. Milt Kort was a man who deservedly had the highest respect
from the worldwide magic community and though he will be missed, he has left
a legacy that can only benefit that community. I join everyone here in expressing
my condolences to all those family and friends for whom the loss is greatest.
Nigel
Tspall
I also wanted to add my sympathies for his family, friends, and the magic community
in general. It's a great loss. He was one of the most knowledgeable people in
magic, and was never referred to in a bad way. Only good things were ever said
about him.
Aged Magician
Alas, the loss of yet another
'magic legend'! I fear that the age of these totally dedicated
'giants' is coming to an end and I sit and wonder, as an old
man, who will, or even could, replace them? Where
are they, the Slydinis, the Vernons, the Malinis, the Brookes,
the Fogels, the Marlos? We,
who are old, have had a great privilege in our lives but I,
for one, fear for the future of our aspiring young folk.
Rest in peace Milt, a job well
done.
Final Words:
Scott Drebus
I just got back from the funeral. It was a lovely ceremony. Things were kept
fairly light hearted and we all even had a few laughs. I think Milt would've
liked it that way. The internment was touching. We all got to throw a shovelful
of dirt on as a last way of saying good-bye. Afterwards, many people went to
a nearby restaurant for food and discussion. During dinner, several letters of
condolences were passed around for people to read including ones from our very
own Admin Nigel and Moderator Michael, and the world famous duo Penn and Teller.
Sandra Kort, along with the rest of the family, is very pleased with everyone's
support. All the family and friends are in good spirits and would like to thank
you all.
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