Magicians
Simon Drake, Derren Brown, Great Soprendo (Geoffrey Durham), Amazing Orchante (Tom Orchante of New Zealand)
Fire eating – Bed of nails – Sword swallowing – Psychic surgery – Magic
Lifetime achievement award
1943 -2013
Sword swallow
Eating string
Playing around with a sword
Pulling string out of the stomach
Bed of nails
Playing with fire
String trick continued
Amazing trick with string
Needle and thread through cheek
RIP The Amazing Tom Orchanté
Sadly Tom passed on Tuesday the 12th of March 2013 at 9pm
After a 17-year illness caused in part by his fire eating act, Tom died in his sleep, in Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Born in 1943, he packed much more into his 70 years than most and leaves behind two sons and a sister in New Zealand as well as his wife and magic assistant Veronica.
His friends around the world have contacted Veronica when they heard the news, and she would just like to say thanks you for everyone’s support.
Veronica says
“My Tom died in hospital last night, finally out of pain and at peace. Thank you all for your emails which kept him happy and busy for so long, and thank you so much for all the support you have given me over the last couple of weeks. I will miss him so very much.”
Funeral arrangements here
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28 Responses to 1943 -2013
Gary DF Milne says:
March 13, 2013 at 7:32 pm
So long Tom, it was a real pleasure to have known you
Paul Romhany says:
March 13, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Although I never met Tom I grew up with the NZ magicians all talking about him – he had a huge impact on the NZ magic scene and had a huge influence on them. It was nice to have some contact with him last year. His amazing skills and name will live on.
Mick Peck says:
March 14, 2013 at 12:46 am
RIP Tom you will be remembered.
Jason Orchard says:
March 14, 2013 at 9:38 am
RIP Dad/Tom, I’ve learnt so much about you over the years, you certainly were larger than life! Going to miss our catch up phone calls. Now at least you can come visit me I’m sure of that.
Lots of love
Jason, Narene and Natalia
Bev Bergeron says:
March 14, 2013 at 10:49 pm
The Internet brought Tom and I together and for the past 10 years we have had daily notes to each other with Tom keeping me in laughs. We took showbiz to pieces and joked about what is happening today, then laid it all to rest. I’ll miss my daily conversations with the man from NZ. It will be so hard to replace him — if that is possible. Good-bye dear friend.
David Mckee says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:11 pm
Farewell Tom it was an honour to have known you.you will always be rembered
Wendy Munro Newton says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Treasured memories, Tommy, from Wendy
Robyn Cook says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:37 pm
RIP my Hon Bro, will miss the jokes and the little chats. Thanks for the great childhood memories. You will leave a gap for those who loved you.
Robyn
marilla newman says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Darling Tom, it was such a pleasure to know you and have worked with you.
You have certainly made your mark this time around. Rest in peace and love, and no doubt we shall all see you “up there” soon enough !!
Marilla
Marc Oberon says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Tom, you were one of my best friends,
I learned a lot from you about magic and will treasure so many memories of your playful wonder.
Miss you,
Marc Oberon
Neil Gebbie says:
March 14, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Tom, was one of those people that was always happy to see you, anyone that knew him felt exactly the same about him.
A true friend that will be greatly missed ):
R.I.P.
Sue & Andy Dowdeswell says:
March 15, 2013 at 12:25 am
Farewell old friend of more than 30 years! So many memories! We will watch out for Veronica!
Finally at peace and void of all pain!
We too look forward to a visit from you in OZ!
Forever in our thoughts, Sue & Andy & family
Trevor Judge says:
March 15, 2013 at 1:47 am
Sad to hear you have gone, glad to have known you.
ANN ELLIOT SMITH says:
March 15, 2013 at 2:50 am
Tom who I have known many years,hypnotised me many times,stopped me smoking,among other things,Such a character and such a big heart.
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
ANN ELLIOT SMITH says:
March 15, 2013 at 2:53 am
Dear Tom who I have know many years,who hypnotised me many times,stopped me smoking.etc. such a larger than life man,muched loved by so many
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
Sam Adlam says:
March 15, 2013 at 7:20 am
RIP Uncle Tom, I’m so sorry we never got to meet you but I’ve loved your emails over the years! Your great nieces and nephew are fascinated by your amazing tricks, and are also devastated that they never got to meet you in person.
Lots of Love Sam, Neil, Suzanne, Hannah and Luke xxx
Wendy Munro Newton says:
March 15, 2013 at 8:18 am
Treasured memories, Tommy. From Wendy
Paul Daniels says:
March 15, 2013 at 9:09 am
I loved reading Tom’s story and stories on Alan Watson’s newsletters from New Zealand and most days I would get jokes in the email… some very naughty which meant Tom was a man after my own heart.
I’ll miss all that and the occasional phone calls. It was good to watch the act again on YouTube, which means that Tom will be around for a long time. R.I.P.
Mary busby says:
March 15, 2013 at 11:47 am
Tom was my second big brother since I was 12 years old. He will be sorely missed.
Robert Gennari says:
March 15, 2013 at 11:51 am
I met Tom when I was 18 and just starting off in Auckland….That was almost 50 years ago. Tom was already a true ‘pro’, having worked the Auckland club scene and around NZ. I was in awe at his professional approach, and he stood out as a true International Act – authentic and exciting…
We reunited in Sydney a few years later and enjoyed many times together as friends, and I was sorry to see him depart for the UK. I am also sorry I never had a chance to see him again. He loved his profession… he loved people… and he loved life. He was enthusiastic and passionate about the Entertainment World, and he lived it to the full….He will be greatly missed…
Glenda Law says:
March 15, 2013 at 5:51 pm
One of a kind. You certainly made your mark on the world of entertainment Tom. You suffered in later years now your struggle is over and you are free. Instead of flying on your computer you are soaring wherever you wish to go unaided and unshackled. Well, that’s how I will think of you now. I’m so sad that you couldn’t make it home to NZ. RIP The Amazing Orchante. Glenda x
ian franklin says:
March 17, 2013 at 7:51 am
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my lovely friend Tom.
He was a likeable, multi talented and much travelled world class Entertainer who delighted millions in most corners of the Globe throughout an illustrious career that many would envy…..
In the beginning, he was simply “Tom Orchard” from down the road but he quickly rose to the ranks of the quintessentail Magician and Illusionist.
He went from being simply “Tom Orchard” to being a much loved International Entertainer and, it’s ironic that, just to know him was magic in itself.
martin baird says:
March 19, 2013 at 11:44 am
Tom,we laughed until the tears ran down our faces,for nearly 30 years;i will miss that more than i can say.You were ‘amazing’ in so many ways.I’ll see you again mate.Thank you for our terrific friendship.
Alfred HAYES says:
March 20, 2013 at 2:44 am
TOM :: Unique in his class and perrformance – He gave untold pleasure, mystery and surprises when and wher-ever he performed. always cheerful and a great delight on the internet … Alfred (A wizard from Oz!)
CATCH says:
March 25, 2013 at 2:35 pm
It was an honour to have known and worked with Tom. I will never forget his laugh…I can see him and hear it now… Such a fun person ! x Catch
John Griffiths says:
March 28, 2013 at 8:56 am
Just seen this sad news, so many fantastic memories and brilliant nights of fun, laughter & friendship all so greatly missed Hope your current trip takes you to happiness, you will certainly never be forgotten here!…Griff
Ian Griffiths says:
March 30, 2013 at 7:33 pm
So sad to hear the news I remember the days visiting you guys with my dad and Martin. You will be missed by one and all RIP mate
Hugh Lennon says:
April 22, 2013 at 3:36 am
Sad to hear about Tom “The Great Orchante”. First met in the early nineties when we performed on a University show and became good friends.Had many magic sessions at his house in Doncaster and was always impressed by his passion and enthusiasm for performing.
“I can still hear your voice and laughter Tom and will always remember and treasure your friendship”
My condoleances to Veronica and the rest of the family