Happy October Birthdays
- Landon
- Julianne
- Ajarn Chai
- Nyota
- Kimlee
- Tsuyoshi
In Memoriam – Master Christopher Ricketts
October 11, 2010
Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts (March 21, 1955 – October 5, 2010)
It is with sadness and joy that we announce the passing and rebirth to eternal life of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts on October 5, 2010 at 3:02AM. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, he is
survived by his wife Beth Ricketts and sons Jason Ricketts, Bruce Ricketts, Brandon Ricketts and Christopher Ricketts, Jr.; daughter-in-law Jeanne, wife of Jason and grandkids Jacob, Jennell, Josh and Justin; parents Edith and Max Ricketts; younger brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie Ricketts and Mariz and nieces Marella and Marie; and youngest brother and sister-in-law, Alex Ricketts and Marybeth and nephews Jamie and James.
Master Topher, known world wide as a consummate martial artist of Filipino decent, was loved by many but more importantly, respected by all. He was one of the founders and the Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International, a fraternal brotherhood of martial artists established in the Philippines in 1968 whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable and second to none.
A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and one of the “Five Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo”, he remained loyal to the memory and legacy of his teacher and was the highest ranked Ilustrisimo instructor in the United States. A close friend and training partner of the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who founded Lameco Eskrima, he was also the highest ranked Lameco instructor in the United States. With teaching credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kun (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa (Filipino Kickboxing System), as well as being a professional boxing trainer and fight choreographer, his was a life befitting a true warrior.
A public viewing, requiem mass and farewell offering (Halad) will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the California Cremation and Burial Chapel, 5880 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92115. In lieu of flowers, donation to your favorite charity in the name of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts will be greatly appreciated.
All members of the warrior class are encouraged to come in uniform to pay their last respects to one of the best of the best.
Sumasaiyo at Maraming Salamat (With Sincere Thanks),
The Ricketts Family
In Memoriam – Kenny Endosa
Kenny Endosa, Actor/Stuntman/Husband/Father/Grandfather/Friend Born in Hilo, Hawaii July 22, 1940. After courageously battling cancer more than 6 years, Kenny peacefully passed on to his eternal life Aug. 10, surrounded by a loving family. Kenny had an amazing life. He grew up in a small town on the Big Island of Hawaii and went on to become an award winning stuntman in Hollywood. He appeared in hundreds of action packed movies & tv shows, including F Troop, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum P.I., Airwolf, Kung Fu, Spider Man & many others. Features include Twilight Zone, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Collateral, Big Trouble in Little China, Diamonds Are Forever, Blues Brothers, The Stuntman, Enemy of the State, Deja Vu, & most recently Green Hornet. Always portraying the “bad guy” but in truth a gentle giant. He took pride in coaching his son’s baseball teams & Indian Princess/Charity League activities with his daughter. He loved classic cars and owned many; his favorite, a red ’67 convertible camaro. Often known as The Big Kahuna, Kenny had a fun loving sense of humor and genuine understanding and acceptance of different cultures. As a proud member of Stunts Unlimited, DGA and owner of Stuntman Prod., he was always willing to help young stunt players perfect a craft. He was fortunate to travel around the world on location & family holidays, savoring so many incredible life experiences, among his favorites golfing at Pebble Beach, Oakland Hills & his beloved Lakeside Golf Course. Kenny will be forever missed by Laureen, his wife & sweet- heart of 44 years; children, Kathy, Carlisa & Michael (Nicolle); grandchildren, Nick, Kristin, JJ & baby Lilah; sisters Pearl & Shirley; brother George; Mum- in-law-Joan, numerous nieces & nephews, plus an incredible network of loving family members & friends who have encouraged his spirit & courage through his journey. Please consider donations to Roy & Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, Burbank, Ca.