continued . . .

He impressed audiences everywhere he went. From the beginnings of performing close-up card magic at The Little Club in Manhattan, to theaters performing the “Memory Act” with his other-half – his supportive and beautiful wife, Renee Lorayne (nee Lefkowitz, 1927-2014) – until they adopted their son Robert in 1968. There were also countless live TV broadcasts around the world promoting his many books, including the NYT best-selling book, The Memory Book. You couldn’t be in a room with Harry and not be drawn to his wit, to his passion, to his talents, to his charisma – to his spirit.

Harry’s ability to teach while entertaining is nothing shy of genius. His books on memory training and his Memory Power Course have inspired and have helped improve countless people’s lives around the world. He was known to reminisce about his 26 appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and he was proud to share the story of meeting General Colin Powell – how General Powell put his arm around Harry and said, “Harry, you helped make me a General!” 

He shared his passion for close-up card magic generously, taking so many young magicians under his wing. Harry would talk for hours at his desk on Jane Street with any magician who called. He helped write and share other magicians’ tricks and effects in his Apocalypse Magazine for over 20 years.

At the end of the day, Harry would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. He was a devoted, loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, “Papa.” The look of awe on his granddaughter, Vivi’s, face when he’d show her a card trick – so utterly priceless. His spirit was priceless. I wish I could bottle that spirit up and share it with the world. But I realize in writing this, that he did in fact do that! Every day. He shared his boundless energy, knowledge, expertise, and passion with anyone who asked. Harry Lorayne was not only a gifted man, but he was a gift to the world. I am forever changed by knowing him and he will be immensely missed by Robert, Vivi, and myself.

In going through his desk drawer, I came across a scrap of paper. Written in Harry’s script it said:

”Live your life to the fullest – and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart… I will be there.” – Emily Dickinson

You are, Harry. In so many hearts. You are there. Thank you.