Philip Hornan & Dean GunnarsonSince his youth, Dean Gunnarson has been performing magic and escapes for charities and hospitalized children. It was during one such magic show, in 1982, when Dean had 10 year old Philip Hornan in his audience. Following several visitations to the children's hospital, Philip approached Dean, asking if Dean would teach him about magic and escapes. Dean, sensing Philip's sincerity, began to teach Philip magic, and Philip learned -- quickly. Philip wanted to learn more and more, and a true friendship with great depth was born. Dean had found someone who wished to share in the joy and thrill of magic and escape from a puritanical perspective. And like their predecessors, Amazing Randi and Houdini, Philip shared Dean's desire in the search for real magic (the magic of the mind and soul.)
It was not long before Philip asked Dean to teach him the art of escapology. Initially, Dean cautioned Philip that while he could instruct Philip in the practical aspects of escaping from handcuffs, Philip might not possess the strength and all the skill required. Philip, proving the mind could overcome any obstacle, surprised Dean and revealed he was indeed the one in a million able to combine mind, body and skill to escape manacles and handcuffs quite effectively. The bonds of their friendship strengthened.
Philip's mother, Marilyn, supportive of their antics, drove her son and Dean to police departments and RCMP detachments from Winnipeg, Alberta to Regina, Saskatchewan. Together, Philip and Dean would ask the law enforcement staff on duty to handcuff them and lock them inside a jail cell. Often quipping that breakfast would be served early in the morning, the officers would play along. However, they quickly found themselves astounded when Philip and Dean escaped from both their jail cells and manacles. The officers could do no less than supply Philip and Dean with a letter outlining the details of their escape. As a bonus, the duo quite often retained the handcuffs from which they escaped as a trophy.
No one in the world inspired Dean more than Philip. Sharing his passion with another who understood the refinement and dedication of escape was everything to Dean. Their relationship was beyond friendship, transcending all boundaries. Philip Hornan was one of few individuals who would ever comprehend the art of escape.