Ironside, Bill 1935 - 2007
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Status: Married. Spouse:Betty McDowell from Erin Ont.
Bill was a policeman from 1961 - 67, and worked for
Superior Vault Co. Ltd. (1956 - 61 and 1967 - 95) making and
delivering cement burial vaults to cemeteries for 33 years.
Became interested in magic at age 10 after his
uncle showed him the 21 card trick. Magic became a
hobby performing for family and friends. It wasn't
until age 30 that Bill performed his first public show as
a clown for his employers at their Christmas Party doing a bit
of pocket magic and balloon animals as a white faced
clown with baggy outfit and floppy hat. He was known as
BooBoo the Clown. The following Christmas he was a
clown again and did his first paid performance ($10.00). As
he was having fun with the kids, Bill decided to do more
shows. Because he didn't have a real costume he decided
to make up his own character. Bill came up with a tramp
face, got a Derby hat and an old suit, (which he put patches
on and extra pockets for balloons on the inside of the coat),
made a wig out of wool and an old t-shirt, and BoBo The
Hobo (the bum magician) was born. Bill then put a few tricks
together and with a lot of trial and error, finally got at act
together which he did for almost 30 years. He performed
part time, doing birthday and Christmas parties, the odd fair
and parade. When he turned 60 1/2, Bill started realizing that
the fun was turning to work and he wasn't enjoying
performing anymore. He retired BoBo December 31, 1995,
but continues to enjoy magic as a hobby.
Member of: I.B.M., I.B.M. Ring 17 (1967), Ring 49 (1999),
Ring 235 (2001), Canadian Association Of Magicians (1997).
Bill was also known as "Bicycle Bill" by members and fans
of the Toronto Argos' football team. Bill would ride his bike
to practices and games and performed magic for the players.
Bill Ironside died in his sleep Monday March 12, 2007. He will
Issacs, Peter19--
