Ormond Dale McGill

McGILL, Ormond Dale - 1913-2005 The legendary Ormond McGill, known world-wide as The Dean of American Hypnotists, was born in Palo Alto, CA on June 15, 1913, where he lived until his death on Oct. 19, 2005 at the age of 92. Actively involved in the field of hypnotism since 1927, McGill received international acclaim for his innovative books, pioneering the integration of hypnotism, meditation and creative hypnotic strategies. In all, he published over 25 books, several of which are considered classics in the field. He was honored by numerous organizations, including the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, The National Guild of Hypnotists, the Hypnotherapy Training Institute, and the Society of American Magicians. Ormond McGill was a magician and hypnotist of international acclaim, and toured many parts of the world with his exciting stage shows. He was one of the first stage hypnotists to perform on radio and television, including appearances on the popular Art Linkletter TV show. After the passing of his wife, Delight Olmstead McGill, in 1976 he continued to tour with his close friend Charles Mignosa, presenting his "Concerts of Hypnotism." In addition to his work in stage hypnotism, McGill was an active faculty member of the Hypnotherapy Training Institute in Corte Madera, training hypnotherapists since 1981. He taught his last class for a group of advanced students just four days before his passing. Ormond McGill was also a prominent naturalist and made well-known contributions in the fields of entomology and conchology. He was a true collector with a great variety of interests. Of all his contributions, the wealth of his teachings will stay with us forever. He made many of his greatest insights in recent years. They came out of his profound mastery of many hypnotic techniques, his deep personal understanding of Eastern systems of meditation, mysticism, wisdom and healing, and his creativity, vision, compassion, humor and life experience. For many, Ormond McGill will be best remembered for the aura of friendship he radiated to everyone. He always made time for friends and family who often found him at the Peninsula Creamery in Palo Alto, where he was an almost daily patron since it opened in 1923. In recent years, Ormond McGill has been able to stay independent, largely through the loving care of his dear friend and colleague, Marleen Mulder, director of the Hypnotherapy Training Institute. He is survived by his four nephews and their children from the Olmstead family of Palo Alto, as well as by thousands of grateful students and colleagues and a wonderful circle of friends. A Memorial Celebration of Mr. McGill's life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Mail to P.O. Box 1103, Palo Alto, CA 94302.