R.I.P. Shannon Apple

[RWKingi]

For those of you who knew him, Shannon Apple passed away yesterday.  I believe he received his black belt from Tony Ramos.  Cause of death is unknown as of yet, but as many of you may know he had a pacemaker and a heart condition, but that did not stop him from giving himself to the karate community.

I have had the pleasure of spending time with him the past few years at karate tournaments where he gave himself tirelessly to the sport karate community, helping out judging, keeping things fun, cracking jokes and always had a good laugh with everyone.  And despite any health issues, he would still always get out there and fight and compete!  I recently had the chance to spend time with him at the Golden Gate Int'l this past weekend and as usual had lots of laughs and a great time.  I didnt know it would be my last time laughing with him though. 

One thing is for sure, he represented Kajukenbo everywhere he went and he will be dearly missed by all.

My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.

[John Bishop]

For more info, and to leave your comments:

http://www.kajukenbocafe.com/smf/index.php?topic=4883.msg43718;boardseen#new

[phil7366]

It was sad news that I received from my nephew, Kaleo Wilson, that Shannon Apple had passed away.  Shannon was part of the team that introduced, for the first time, myself and Professor Woody Sims to competative Black Belt Team Sparring back in 1983.  He brought out the best in us, and made it fun at the same time. I had the opportunity to see him one last time while visiting at Grandmaster Baustista's 40th Anniversary tournament in Northern California last year. He will truly be missed by the Kajukenbo Ohaha.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[MARK GERRY]

Shannon Apple
July 13, 1962 – February 26, 2009
Martial Artist * Instructor * Coach * Brother * Friend

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of one of AMAPA’s most dedicated judges and dearest friends, Shannon Apple. Shannon is a great example of a man who gave himself unselfishly to everyone. He always had a way of making people happy with his jokes and unique smile. He never asked for anything. He was truly a GIVER.

As a martial artist, he wasn’t in it for the ranking. He was in it for the love of the martial arts.
He volunteered his time sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to pursue their quest to be a black belt and beyond. As a black belt, he never stopped being a student and always trained to be the best martial artist, competitor and instructor that he could be.

With Shannon, you knew what he was about when you first meet him. What you see is what you get. He was a genuine good person who told you what he thought and how he felt. He was a loyal and faithful man. He was always positive and tried to find the good in bad situations.

As a martial artist, I respected him for his knowledge and dedication to the arts. As a man, I am proud of him for overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obstacles set before him. As a friend, I appreciated his unconditional love and devotion to me and my family. As a brother……I Truly miss him.

May God embrace him at the gates of heaven and welcome him to his Kingdom.

If you want to donate to Shannon’s service, share your pictures/ video or keep updated on Shannon’s service/events, go to: www.shannonapple.com

Jordan Pallen

[Dennis Peterson]

Sifu Shannon was a great person.  He never took anything, just gave, I am sorry for his passing, but not his passing in our lives.  He makes us think when we look into the mirror, "Did I live each day like it was my last..."  Let us embrace this and look into the mirror and ask that question.  Hug a close one and reach out like Sifu Shannon did and give a Kjau hug.....always giving.

God speed my friend.

d