Eulogy in honor of Brod Elmer L. Banci, Sr., U.P. Diliman Batch ‘57,

U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association, Southern California Chapter

delivered by Vice Grand Princep Edsel Arceo

We are gathered here tonight to pay our respects to Brod Elmer L. Banci, Sr. who passed away last Saturday, September 19, 2009.  We have gathered here to honor our Brod Elmer who touched most of our lives in more ways than one.  Our presence here tonight affirms what we have known all along - he was special.  We have come to express and manifest our love for him and for the loved ones he leaves behind.

Tonight we say farewell to a man who not only gave his life to his family but also to countless persons - his dear relatives, friends, and fraternity brods.  Truly indeed, something of his goodness touched our lives.  He was a loving, exemplary person, a man of a most impressive, commanding appearance, endowed with dignity, admirable as a father, a father-in-law, a grandfather, a brother, a relative, a friend, and a fraternity brod.  He was a light in the lives of all who knew him.  And now that light has been taken away.

Tonight we say goodbye to our Brod Elmer but we know that we will see him again in a land where there are no goodbye’s but only glad hello’s and welcome’s.  We are saying goodbye with the sad certainty that our Brod Elmer is no longer with us physically, but with the glad conviction that the Lord is with him and he is with the Lord.

We have gathered here to grieve over Brod Elmer’s death, but more than that, to celebrate his life - his life which now belongs to the past, and his life which is future without end, life in eternity.  This farewell is meant to be a joyous one for we know that he leaves us to enter into the life of glory.

Tonight we take our last glimpse of Brod Elmer.  We shall see him no longer, and in our hearts we shall say he is gone.  But he is not gone, you can never say goodbye to someone you love, because he lives on in your heart.  Our beloved Brod Elmer has gone to another place where he will meet the loved ones who have gone before him and where someday, we will be with him forever.

Edsel J. Arceo, UPD ‘73

Vice Grand Princep

U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association

Southern California Chapter

== Messages ==

Dear Brod Norman,

Thank you for conveying my condolence message to Mrs. Banci and family. It saddens me to know that some of my former Betan students  are being called by the Almighty. I suppose all of us are going to be called sooner or later. I didn't know that Elmer was a good dancer.

Fraternally,

Brod Ted Topacio '49, 9-21-09 

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Dear Brod Ted,

Yes, I will pass on your message to Aida and family and to the brods.  We will have our last rites for Elmer on Friday night 9-25.

You're right about Elmer being gentle-mannered and calm all the time. One impression I've had about him was that he was a good dancer, especially the tango. Even before ballroom dancing became the craze in the '90's and many started taking dancing lessons from the pros, Elmer and Aida would be gracefully gliding along on the dance floor to everyone's admiration. In the "Los Angeles Betan" newsletter (reprinted at bottom of page) that I was editing at that time, I called Elmer "The Tango King". But more than that, he was just a nice and pleasant person to talk to.

Take care of yourself, Brod Ted, and my congratulations on your eternal national title.

Cheers... Norman Bituin, 9-20-09 

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Dear Brod Norman and all Brods,

I am saddened by the passing away of Brod Elmer. He was one of my students, especially my thesis student, which he did very well. A gentle-mannered and taciturn student but determined to get his DVM. Please convey my condolences to Mrs. Aida Banci and children.

Brod Ted Topacio BE '49, 9-20-09

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Elmer will always live in spirit with me. He was a good and decent man and I will always love him and cherish his memories. Our friendship spans years and years from 1968 to date. His family and mine went through hardship in Tandag, Surigao del Sur where during moonsoon all you can buy is sardines or old mother pigs with tits reaching the ground. You needed pressure cooker to make it tender but alas there was only intermittent weak electricity available from 8:00 PM to midnight it you were lucky. If you had money you owned kerosene refrigerator that was so expensive but too unreliable. At Tandag he was the Provincial Veterinarian and I was an Assistant District Forester. Despite the hardship, we did try to enjoy ourselves.
 
Elmer told me that he first arrived at Daly City and was not able to get a decent job and that is all I will say right now. He was broken-hearted and never quite recovered from his sad experience in Daly City.
 
Brod Elmer is now at peace and our prayers are with him. And did I tell you that when I was assigned at LA, I stayed in his home for almost a year free of charge. 
 
I learned from my wife that Elmer was very sick just before I left for Seattle and I promised myself I would make a special trip to visit him. Unluckily I was beset with problems at work and postponed my plan and my failure really pains me. Elmer is a Brod twice - as a Mason and as a Betan.
 
I was in LA August this year and had I known I would have taken time to visit him. I have never known him to complain of any illness and I assumed he was always healthy. Sorry Brod, it is my fault I did follow my instinct. I know God is on your side and care for you.

Ernie Tremor, 9-20-09

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Hello Brods and Sisters,
 
Please see below the viewing and funeral schedules and rites to celebrate the life of Brod Elmer Banci - from his wife Aida herself.
 
We extend our sincerest sympathy to Aida and their children, that they may be consoled at this time of sorrow. May Elmer's soul be at peace with his Maker.
 
Willie "Tatang" Vergara, 9-20-09

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GP Frank,

Please extend my heartfelt condolence to Sis Aida Banci in the passing of Brod Elmer. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend his wake and funeral as I am now out of the country. We offer our prayers for the repose of his soul and for the family of Sis Aida that they may overcome these moments of grief and sorrow soon.

God Bless! 

Sonny Pagador, 9-20-09

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The death of our dear brother, Elmer Banci, is again another sad news for our brotherhood. Unfortunately, that is the reality of our life here on earth. In His own perfect time, we will all leave this earthly life and joined our Creator in His promised home in heaven.

May God in His infinite goodness, shine His eternal light on the soul of brod Elmer. My sincere condolences to sister Aida and to the bereaved family. God bless our brotherhood!

Rene de Rueda, 9-19-09

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It saddens me deeply to hear of the passing of Brod Elmer Banci, batch '57A. Please join me in praying for the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest in peace. My condolences to Sister Aida and the family. God Bless Us ALL.

Fred Aquino '57A , 9-19-09

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My thoughts and prayer's to the Banci family.

Art de Vera, 9-19-09

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Dear Brods and Families,

Brod Elmer Banci passed away this morning. Join me in our prayers for his soul and for the whole family during this time of mourning.

I will provide more info regarding Brod's Elmer's internment as soon as schedules are confirmed.

Fraternally yours,

Frank Mamaril, 9-19-09

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