M ChanI was sad to hear our long time tai chi student, Dennis Banfield, had passed away. Dennis has been with Wah Lum for several years, and could always be seen sweeping the patio before tai chi class. After hearing about his passing, I remembered the sentiments that he shared with me after our China Tour in 2016.
Since Grandmaster Pui Chan is a 33rd generation Shaolin Disciple, we are given special privileges when we visit. Traditionally, the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple Shi Yongxin, receives us in his private quarters.
This was my first trip without my father, and I was nervous about being received without him there. Technically, the Abbot did not have an obligation to receive me, but out of respect for my father, he welcomed me and the entire delegation.
It was my first trip to China where I solely led the team. The first speech I gave was to the head of the Epo Shaolin School’s Grandmaster Liang. I was grateful to have a friendly face as I nervously spoke in Mandarin for the first time. Grandmaster Liang is O and I’s godfather, so he was kind and complimented my speech. Meeting Abbot Shi Yongxin was much more nerve racking! Although he graciously received us, I was nervous representing my father and the entire Wah Lum system. Fortunately, he seemed to understand my speech and even smiled.
We received books from the Abbot and per tradition, the Sifus and my family members sat and drank tea with him. Abbot Yongxin saw Dennis’ ’Santa’ beard and asked he also sit to join us as an ‘elder’. Abbot Yongxin has a deep respect for the elderly, and wanted to show his respects by offering him tea.
Dennis later told me this was the highlight of his trip, which he was taking as a gift to himself for his 70th birthday. He said he would never forget this experience and would treasure it always. He was grateful to be a part of the Wah Lum family, not because of the privileges, but because he felt like a part of a family. Wah Lum is a family. Now we grieve the loss of one of our family members, but treasure the memories of the special times we shared. I am sure Dennis is drinking tea and practicing tai chi every day wherever he is.
Thank you for the tribute to Dennis. As I had communicated with him on email fairly recently, I was surprised and saddened to learn of his passing. He was working on the last movement of the 108 when he left for his knee replacement. He was so interested , he practiced and I really miss him.