Jack Stephens

POPULAR children’s entertainer Jack Stephens has died from pancreatic cancer, just two months after being diagnosed.

The 62-year-old, of Netherstreet, Bromham, died in Salisbury Hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Rosemary and his two daughters Caroline, 29, and Susie, 27.

Mr Stephens was born on December 8, 1952 and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, with his two sisters.

After spending a year in the army at age 17 Mr Stephens travelled and worked for a travel company before moving to the UK in 1980.

Mr Stephens met his future wife at a party in Bond Street, London, in 1981 and the couple married in Barnet registry office on May 28, 1983.

The pair lived in London for seven years before they moved to Netherstreet in 1990.

While living in London he worked for South African travel company SAR travel and part-time as a magician. His magical career became full-time when he moved to Wiltshire.

As well as being a well-known magician across the county, Mr Stephens put on shows across the world, and performed for the Queen in 2003.

In addition he spent 10 years working as an entertainer on P&O cruise ships.

Mr Stephens was a master of close-up magic and he also specialised in balloon modelling, puppetry, origami and singing with his guitar.

He was also a regular performer at Rowdeford Garden Fair, having attended the event every year since it began in 2005.

Mrs Stephens said: “Jack brought happiness and laughter to many, especially thousands of children in hospitals in Bath, Bristol and Swindon and he will be greatly missed.

“He was a well-respected magician and a member of The Magic Circle and The International Brotherhood of Magicians.

“Providing entertainment was so important to Jack, and I will be continuing to run his business and provide entertainers as Jack had done.”

His funeral will be held at Semington Crematorium at 1.45pm on June 4 where everyone is welcome.

Simple flowers will be accepted and donations if desired to the POD charity.