Mr. David Edward Linsell

Mr. David Edward Linsell obituary, Morton Grove, IL

Mr. David Edward Linsell

David Linsell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 16, 2018.
David Edward Linsell, born on June 21, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, to Janice Primrose Linsell and the late Frederick Linsell, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2018 in Morton Grove, Illinois after 65 years of life filled with love, vision, and magic. David graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1971, and then earned a B.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1977. He worked in technical training and photographic equipment sales at Olympus America for 29 years, and then found his true vocation at Potter & Potter Auctions as a photographer of magic memorabilia and other fine art until retiring in 2018. He also thrived as a freelance photographer, specializing in performance portraits of world-famous magicians.

Darling David was the cherished husband of Christine Marie Peters for 27 years. His daughter, Forrest Marie Peters Linsell, was his pride and joy. David is also survived by his loving brother, James Linsell; sister-in-law Mary Ann Linsell; nephews, Christopher, Jeffery, and Daniel Linsell; brother-in-law Al Peters; sister-in-law, Penny Marsala; and dear niece, Liz Peters. He adored his faithful cats, Kiki and Kramer.

Best known for his humor, generosity, mentorship, and kindness of spirit to his wide circle of family and friends, he will be deeply missed. David was passionate about and maintained collections of photography, jazz, and magic. He enjoyed membership in the International Brotherhood of Magicians and The Chicago Magic Round Table.

David was an active, long-time member of the beloved community at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Davids life at his Memorial Service, officiated by Rev. Eileen Wiviott, on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 2:30 PM, with a musical prelude beginning at 2:00. The Unitarian Church of Evanston is located at 1330 N. Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201. Please join the family for a reception at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in memory of David Linsell to the Unitarian Church of Evanston or Wright-Way Rescue Animal Shelter.
https://ucevanston.org/
http://wright-wayrescue.org/donate

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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February 15, 2025

Victoria Jean Christine Bingham posted to the memorial.

October 13, 2023

Diane Bogush posted to the memorial.

August 24, 2018

Eric Ornstein posted to the memorial.

Victoria Jean Christine Bingham

February 15, 2025

He was one of my classmates at the School of Visual Arts in 1977.. Such a very talented and kind person - that to this day, I have never forgotten his name.

Diane Bogush

October 13, 2023

I just saw this in 2023. David was a stand-out at Lake Huron Methodist Camp in the late 1960s. Only he would bring the whole 33 rpm album of Man of LaMancha show tunes to a church camp! He introduced us to musicals, theatre and culture, and got some of us to attend a live performance of West Side Story in Detroit. Then there was the photography and magic: even at a wedding reception, he mesmerized guests at the singles table with all sorts of tricks. (I did spot evidence on the floor under his seat later of some items that had disappeared!) Good memories and condolences to all of his family from "Bogie", now in California. I enjoyed reading the many tributes to David. He was a caring, funny, unique guy!

Eric Ornstein

August 24, 2018

I have lost such an important, solidly dependable friend who was always generous and caring, whether buzzing over with another Grateful Dead concert recording to share or calling from Costco to alert me that the free samples that day included Dove Bars. Our families were bonded thanks to our childrens and spouses respective friendships as well. No outing was complete without one or Davids magic tricks! The hole in my life left by Davids passing will not be easy to fill, but I will always cherish our 20year friendship.

Margaret Grau

August 24, 2018

David Linsell truly lived his best life. His talents for magic and photography were synergistic. Davids joy, humor, and appreciation for a wide range of art and music were infectious.
While his wand and cameras now lie still, I trust that the magic, beauty, laughter and love that he inspired will persist and compound his legacy. I am very thankful to have known him.

David Charvet

August 23, 2018

One of the kindest souls I have ever known.
(The angels will be smiling, because David will be snapping their pictures!)

Tony Chaudhuri

August 22, 2018

I have been and will always be your friend.

Tony

Dick Oslund

August 21, 2018

Davis was a dear friend.

Mary Shelden

August 20, 2018

A beautiful life story. Sending prayers for comfort to all who loved David.

Tim Wright

August 17, 2018

David was an old friend. He found his way to Colon before I. That was many years ago. We always enjoyed the fleeting moments of friendship at the Get-Together. He gifted me many years ago a Mahatma, before I could fully appreciate the history of magic. I still have it and mentioned to him that he gave it to me so many years ago. His presence will be missed at the Get-Together. We go way back to the Curlie Shuffle, magic in Chicago, and so many cool acts that Abbott's brought to the stage. I wish his family well on their journey through grief. In the Linking Ring they always had a quote...in the Convalescence or Obituary page..."Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind". I am sad and will hopefully meet up again and talk about the magic we enjoyed in life. And maybe Olympus versus Canon.

Dawn Roffey

August 16, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Artie Kidwell

August 16, 2018

David was a true artist with his photographs. The magic community is very empty without him.

Karen Peck

August 16, 2018

David will be missed. I especially LOVED his photo montages at MUSSA (Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly). My deepest sympathies to Chris and Forest Marie and all my love.

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Sign David Linsell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 15, 2025

Victoria Jean Christine Bingham posted to the memorial.

October 13, 2023

Diane Bogush posted to the memorial.

August 24, 2018

Eric Ornstein posted to the memorial.