Just received the following from Jay Alexander:
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George “Sandsational” Sands

Another great creative master of magic has left us, and so we say our final farewells to George "Sandsational" Sands.

George began practicing magic at the age of 17 and was an active member of New York City's fraternity before he entered World War II. Most noted for developing the classic, SandSational Ropes and RopeSational
routines. These signature routines have been performed by thousands of magicians including many of the luminaries in the magic world including David Copperfield and Dick Cavett who performed it on the Johnny Carson Show.

In his early years, George worked for Tannen's, Al Flosso and Morris Fox (Royal Magic). He was the most used entertainer by Grossinger's Hotel in the Catskills ('78 & '79)

He was a prolific writer of 17 booklets explaining his amazing collection of original effects and George was the first person to publish a book on balloon sculpture that was more than an 8-page pamphlet, The Encyclopedic Balloon Modeling Courses, Volumes 1 & 2
('72 & '73)

George had two primary loves in his life. He was a magician and a master chess player. However, his diverse interests also included puppetry, balloon art, mathematics, writing, illustrating, story telling, and comedy. He was a scoutmaster, and was well aware he was
an absent-minded professor.

He was the father of six children, a grandfather, and a husband to Arlene Sands for the last 26 years.
George was a non-stop creator and a true magical renaissance man.

George loved to participate in anything. He was a doer, developing everything from children's routines, dozens of balloon sculptures to original mentalist routines. He did hypnosis and card cheating exposes. He was a practical joker and a lover of life.

George loved people. Many of his greatest qualities included the fact he was race and ethnically blind. He treated all people - the wealthy and the less fortunate, white and black - equally. George loved to give and give. His son quotes him as saying, "Let me teach you
everything I know so you'll get the hell out of my price bracket" and anyone that saw his magic lectures in the 70's, 80's and 90's would see him go for four to five hours. George Sands developed multiple acts, complete routines, original moves - both complex and simple.

George Sands was well recognized by his generation but like many great artists, George may be most appreciated now after he has passed.

A memorial service will be held in Janesville, WI at the home of Arlene Sands on Sunday, May 21st from 2:00-4:00 PM. Magicians and friends are welcome to attend. For more information email George's son, Alan Sands at alan@alansands.com.

If you can't attend the memorial, but have stories and memories you'd like to share, please forward your emails to Alan.

Cards can be mailed to his wife Arlene Sands:
2001 Wesley Ave #109
Janesville WI 53545-2680
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