Memorable Manitobans: William H. M. “Bill” Brace (1924-2007)

Policeman, magician.

After a career serving with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he operated a hobby farm at Clandeboye which included a petting zoo, magic museum, and police museum. He invited personal care homes and the general public for visits. In 1982 he founded the Society of Young Magicians in Canada. He was its first director in Canada, appointed by the Society of American Magicians, and held the position for 15 years. At one time, there were more registered members and chapters of the Society of Young Magicians in Manitoba than any other place in the world. He was called Canada’s greatest magician by friends in the magic circle, not for his performances, but for his countless hours of volunteering to help others. He received the Caring Canadian Award (1999) and Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), and was inducted into the Order of Manitoba (2002). He died at Selkirk on 14 January 2007.

Sources:

Official Register of the Order of Manitoba.

“They left their mark,” Winnipeg Free Press, 30 December 2007, page B2.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 6 May 2021

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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