In April of 2003, Canada lost one of its great martial art pioneers and Edmonton lost Kung Fu's greatest ambassador in the passing of Grand Master Stan Lee. Throughout his martial arts career Grand Master Lee graciously donated his time and effort in training anyone willing to learn. His generosity was not only offered to those of Asian heritage but to all Canadians.

In 1969 Grand Master Lee opened the Canadian Ging Wu Kung Fu Martial Arts Association. After suspending its operation to dedicate more time to family and career commitments, the Association was reborn under Grand Master Lee in 1992. Since then, Grand Master Lee led the Canadian Ging Wu Kung Fu Martial Arts Association to become one of the most respected martial arts organizations in the world.

Sifu Jeff Brinker was introduced to Grand Master Lee in 1995 when he was certified by Master Margitte Hilbig and Grand Master Lee. In 1999 Grand Master Lee welcomed Silent River Kung Fu as an associate school of the Canadian Ging Wu Kung Fu Martial Arts Association.

"He had always made me and my organization feel welcome and part of the Ging Wu family." remembers Sifu Brinker. "The first Chinese New Year banquet that he had invited me to was typical of his generosity. I had originally requested and received twenty tickets to the banquet. When I had found interest from my students to be much greater than anticipated, I called Grand Master Lee and requested an additional ten tickets. He said it would be no problem and arrangements were made. It was almost a year later that I found out that the banquet had already been sold out and the ten extra tickets were actually his."

Silent River Kung Fu is proud to have had the honour of Grand Master Lee's influence and guidance. His wisdom and generosity will never be forgotten.

Grand Master Stan Lee will be truly missed.

Group photos counter clockwise from top left:

Master Brian Macdonald, Grand Master Stan Lee and Sifu Jeff Brinker pose for photograph after Silent River Kung Fu becomes affiliated with the Canadian Ging Wu Kung Fu Martial Arts Association.

Sifu Jeff Brinker, Sifu Edmund Poon, Grand Master Stan Lee, Sifu Barry Schula, Sifu Johnny Kwan, Sifu Dale Lee, and Master Brian Macdonald during Sifu Jeff Brinker's promotion to 4th degree black belt.

Grand Master Stan Lee presenting Sifu Jeff Brinker with his 4th degree black belt certification while Sifu Edmund Poon looks on.

Gtand Master Stan Lee
1936-2003