I recieved this news this morning. He was my teacher and friend and i will miss him alot.
Dearest Friends and Family,
It is with great sadness that I write this update. Our beloved Maestro
Elmer Ybanez, founder of Lema Scientific Kali Arnis System and protoge
of
the great Grandmaster Benjamin Luna Lema of Lightening Scientific
Arnis,
passed away this morning, Wednesday March 31 at 5:15 a.m. His beloved
and
courageous wife, Maribelle, was with him at the time. We are also
grateful
Gang, Edwin, Ida, Ethel and Pastor Trevor are here to comfort Maribelle
this
morning... Maestro's battle with leukemia and the horrible side
effects of
chemotherapy is finally over and he now rests peacefully in the
presence of
the Lord.
I know we all are going to miss him more than words can say, but I
believe
that he is still going to teach us and visit us in our thoughts, our
memories, our dreams and through the LESKAS/LSAI legacy. He has always
strived to make everyone he met comfortable with his beautiful smile,
warm
heart and kind words, a true child of God. For those that have
witnessed
his expertise in the Lightening Scientific system, we stood in awe
watching
a true Master... Thank you Maestro for all you have shared with us!
Plans are being made to bring Maestro Elmer home to the PI very soon.
Here
in Seattle, a memorial will also be held - time and date will be
determined
very soon. I will keep you posted ASAP...
On behalf of Maribelle and family, thank you all for your prayers and
support.
God Bless,
Chris Turla
LESKAS - Seattle
RIP. You have my sympathies rerox.
RIP Guro Ybanez.
Be at peace...........
Rest In Peace Master Elmer. Your art and spirit will continue to live on through your students. I will forever cherish the time I had training with you and sharing in your friendship.
I know you are now in Heaven sharing laughs and training again with Mang Ben Lema.