Milt Larsen, R.I.P.

Milt Larsen did a great many things in his long, magical life — writer, performer, producer, etc. — but he will always be known as "The Man Who Built the Magic Castle." And he didn't just build it by co-founding the place with his brother Bill. Milt was also good at the kind of "building" that involves carpentry, another of his many skills.

In case you dunno: The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians that's located in the hills above Hollywood, a block or so from the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. Inside, it is a place of wonderment and history and good food and I've been a member there for about 43 years. In fact, I had lunch there last Friday and I said hello to Milt. Everyone there said hello to Milt. He was quite beloved.

You can learn more about Milt in this obit and if you Google his name, I'm sure you can find out a lot more. The Castle will live on but it won't be the same without Milt. No, not the same at all.