Suitcase Circus founder dies

Reg Bolton, founder of Perth's 'Suitcase Circus' died in his sleep this weekend while in Kununarra preparing for shows in the Kimberley town. He was only 60. The ITA extends its sympathy to his wife, Annie Stainer and family, Sophie and Jo.

I am truly saddened to hear this. Reg was inspirational and I know that he will be missed. Melissa

Reg for me, was my introduction to the world of performance. He taught me and many, many children over the years. The original clown, he was always full of energy, larger than life and with a funny story to tell. What a shock that he was taken so soon... my thoughts are with his family. Miley

Family & Friends, It is with overwhelming sadness, we wish to inform you that our dearest Reginald Ernest Bolton passed away suddenly in his sleep on the night of the 14th of July 2006. He was working up north with the kids at the Kununurra Agricultural show ­doing what he loved and what he did best. Funeral arrangements are being made ­ all will be welcome. We will let you know as things unfold. Please check Reg's website for information as it comes to hand www.circusshop.net Thank you for all the support and love that is already pouring in. Floral tributes are lovely, but taking inspiration from Reg and living your life to the full is better. We'd love to know what you get up to. You can help by forwarding this onto those who knew and loved our Reginald. Love Annie, Jo & Sophie Reginald Ernest Bolton 13/11/45 ­ 14/7/06 Alive in our hearts forever, words cannot express our loss.

As a youngster I'd long aspired to learning to juggle. I was astonished to find a book in the library that offered the promise of teaching me to do just this. I was even more astonished to discover that such a skill could be so capably communicated in a book and went on to teach myself a number of simple juggling tricks from the book. The book's author was Reg Bolton. When I first met Reg some years later in a small tent full of circus equipment I delightedly demonstrated with some tennis balls what his book had taught me. With a twinkle in his eye, Reg replaced one of my tennis balls with a shotput. A short while later I was just managing to juggle my two tennis balls and a shotput. I must have started looking cocky again. Reg promptly replaced one of the remaining tennis balls with a basketball. An extraordinary man. A remarkable legacy. My condolences and warm regards to Annie, Jo and Sophie. Grant Malcolm

My condolences to the family and friends of Reg. As i child i was also taught by Reg, and have seen numerous of the clowning shows as a child. The clown proved laughter truly is the best medicine.

Reg taught a component of circus skills in my second year at Curtin ('87). I'd already worked with him in a circus musical in the 1986 Festival of Perth, and participated in several of his workshops prior to that. (I think Reg may have gotten me my first day of paid work as a performer..!) There were many times when I was learning from him, and when I was working with him (actually, I was always learning from him) that he inspired me and pushed me beyond what I thought was possible, because he had faith in my potential . It can be summed up by the incident in the class at Curtin: While I was in the process of learning to walk on stilts, Reg got the class's attention and led me to the centre of the stage. "Craig's now going to demonstrate - ..." I simply thought I was doing okay staying upright. "... - how to walk on ONE stilt." With that he ripped the velcro tabs off one leg, forcing me to prove in front of everybody that I could indeed do what he said I could. Because of his say-so, I managed to stay standing & hopping for far longer than it should have been possible, and when I fell I knew exactly how to fall safely...without really having thought about it. Reg just knew I already knew. I never really tried to repeat the trick...but from that moment on, TWO stilts was easy! A few years later, I was starring in a large scale musical on His Majesty's stage ('Barnum'...circus choreography by Reg) and I was well on the way to an established career. Everything up to that point had been either directly or indirectly guided by Reg with his infallible gift for teaching and his cheeky optimistic humour. Not only the skills, advice and attitudes he taught me, but what I saw of his teaching method with children, and his ability to entertain everybody, informed and inspired me to do what I've now been doing for 20 years. And I'm just one story of what must be tens of thousands around the world. At the National Circus Festival which was held at Rottnest a few years ago, Reg was in the process of archiving the history of circus in Australia, by getting all the national delegates to fill in, on a massive wall of butchers paper, a graph indicating who each participant was and the links to whoever was most responsible for their training and getting them started in Circus/performing. In the centre of all the 'tree branch' diagrams and complicated cross-links, it seemed all roads led back to...Reg. I shed a few tears when I heard the news; but rather than being 'sadly missed', he can never be anything but 'fondly missed'. An amazing, inspiring, man. See ya Reg. Good on ya mate. Craig ~<8>-/====\---------

Reg is without a doubt the largest roll model in my life, He changed my way of thinking and the pathways I took in my life. And I am only one in many. Reg was larger than life and his legacy will live forever in the lives he changed. If I know Reg, by now he has tossed the Suitcase Banner over the Pearly Gates, Taught St Peter the finer points of the Drum Roll and probably got a handful of Angels Human Juggling as I am writing this e-mail. He will be missed Scott Gifford

This very giving man inspired my daughter to take risks.I didn't know how I was going to relay this news that came as a real shock. Dr Reg only knew how to give to all.We will all have our personal memories of this amazing man, in many ways He found inspiration from those whom he was with. What a gifted man. I imagine his funeral service will be like no other,with a legacy like his there are bound to be jugglers etc spanning a large age group outside the Church. I imagine those in Heaven are busy already learning the skills that Dr Reg is sharing. Extending yourself was how Dr Reg taught the many. Condolences to all who have been touched by the this energising man. His memory and imparted knowledge will continue to grow Jennifer and Victoria Moody

So sorry to hear of the loss of this truly great and inspiring man who still had so much to offer the community. Reg was the man who got me involved with circus work which led me to many years teaching children the skills of the circus as well as performing in front of live audiences, which I never would have done without his inspiration. A man I will truly miss deeply and always regret not taking more time to keep in contact with. At least now we know the angels will all be able to join the rest of us in a juggle when we follow to the heavens. Thanks for everything Reg.

It was not until today that i recognised the name. I went to YMCA where Reg and his son taught, he was an will always be remembered as an amazing person.

So sorry to hear of Reg's passing. He was a friend of some 20 years, and a prime mover in the Australian contemporary circus movement. My sympathies to his family and followers. Mark St Leon, circus historian.

sorry to hear the death of reg bolton he was always at our show when we were in perth deepest sympathy to his family ROBERT perry former part owner perry bros circus.

This is a sad loss not only to his family but also to the entire community.Reg bolton was an inspiration to many kids and adults alike.He taught my son to juggle and gave him confidence to work within a group.My deepest sympathy to his family and many freinds.

I totally had no idea and accidentally stumbled upon this thread. Its a sad thing or this to happen, but its a part of life that happens to us all, and i think we should all live life as Reg did . . . live it to the fullest. Reg and his family taught me many things and tools that i use to this day in my performing life over on the other side of Australia in cabaret. Thanks Reg . . . Wilton