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Peter McCahon
August 10th 1965 - December 15th 2004
Remembered by Neil Martin
It
is with much regret and sadness that I report the passing on the morning of
Wednesday December 15th 2004 of Peter McCahon.
A man of many talents and with the prospect of a long career ahead of him, aged
only 39 years, Peter has left us far too early. Having trained as a graphic
designer and also graduated from Theological College, Peter had been a
professional entertainer for over 15 years and devoted a large part of his time
to working as a Christian Evangelist. He was an active member of both The
Fellowship of Christian Magicians Europe and The Magic Circle. The
former of which he was president and the latter, editor of the society's
in-house magazine The Magic Circular - last month being awarded the
coveted degree of Member of The Inner Magic Circle. However, it was
during the last few years that Peter was making his mark as an up-and-coming
name in the world of television and magic, having starred in two series of the
popular Monkey Magic (Five) and the recent series Magic (BBC2).
Peter was a very dear friend and in the last 18 months I was also privileged to
have represented him as his agent. It is not generally known that Peter was also
a religious minister, albeit non-practicing; my fiancée and I had asked him if
he would marry us on our wedding day in 2005. There was no hesitation and Peter
was delighted to have been asked, though he was a little nervous at the prospect
of conducting his first marriage ceremony.
Peter was a remarkable, gentle man, who would put aside anything to help a
friend in need. And despite his candid 'tell 'em how it is' personality, people
instantly warmed to his offbeat sense of humour and of course his trademark
Hawiian shirts that were worn come rain or shine. As an entertainer Peter was a
seasoned world traveller and as testament to the friendships he formed, he would
almost always find a friend with whom he could stay.
On December 9th Peter admitted himself to the East Surrey Hospital with chest
pains and was diagnosed with high blood pressure and angina. He was in the
process, over the last few days, of having all the usual tests. However, on the
evening of Tuesday December 14th Peter complained of further chest pains and was
sedated to ease the discomfort. He fell unconscious and during the night
suffered several massive heart attacks.
Peter leaves behind hundreds of friends around the world, but closer to home our
thoughts and prayers are with his brother, sister, and parents.
Peter you will be dearly missed.
Neil Martin, 15th December 2004