We are very sad to announce the passing of a true friend, The Legendary -

Willie Ninja, R.I.P.

By Keith Boykin,
Saturday, September 2 2006, 7:36 PM

DEVELOPING STORY -- Willi Ninja, a legendary figure in the ballroom community and a star of the groundbreaking 1990 film "Paris Is Burning," has passed away. He was 45 years old. "As a friend and someone who loved him very much for all he has given us, I am really sad to write that Willi passed away this morning," Emanuel Xavier wrote on his myspace blog today.

We learned in July that Willi was hospitalized and near death. Xavier reports that when he saw Willi last Monday, he had a very high fever. "He listened and held my hand as I read the poem 'Legendary' to him from the Latex Ball program since he couldn't be at the event," Xavier reported. "We spoke over the phone on Thursday and I promised to visit him after the camping trip I never took this weekend. At least I got to tell him how much I loved him before hanging up."

"Willi had created quite a name for himself," Jasmyne Cannick wrote in a blog tribute. He will always be remembered by me as one of a kind, fierce, and fabulous." Makeupbeat.com called him "the godfather of vogueing."

Willi's presence in Paris Is Burning helped introduce students to "notions of sexuality that they had no idea ever existed," according to one blog "It's always sad when pioneers pass away," according to the Terrence Says blog. "We all come here to leave a mark on the world and Willie Ninja certainly left his," said Terrence. "Words will never convey what a great loss this is to not only the ballroom community but to his many house members past and present and his family and friends," another blogger wrote.

This photo of Willi Ninja was taken March 22, 2005 and posted on Flickr.com.

Funeral Services for Willi Ninja

Friday, September 8, 2006        Time: 7-9 pm
Roy L. Gilmore's Funeral Home
19102 Linden Boulevard
Saint Albans, Queens, NY 11412       Tel.718-529-3030

You are now ready to storm heavens runway. Seal it!!! Luv Your Sister Elizabeth Latex

You Shine ..Even In Heaven...."Noodles" aka Michelle Smith

Willie My DIVAAAA friend from New York who allowed me the opportunity to stay with you and your mom when in town, not to mention the fun running around town.  Thank you for being you and allowing me in your life.  May you rest in peace.  With Love Davyd G. McCoy

Willie I Love U. Always Danny Pontier one of ur biggest fans.

Willi , we ran out of time, there was so much more to do!  You're brief stay in this existence has enriched us all and with that I say let's take a moment and really value what we have and make the best of everything we can!!  We do and will always love you and Mamma!........Debra & Archie

The Lord brought U Home, Willie... He said "U acknowledged Me in ALL that u've done -- Job Well Done!!!" Now u have the REST of your Life 2 Rejoice & Celebrate with Him -- Just as U did on Earth with Us... Bless You, Willie Ninja!!!!  IsIs Enigma of House of Enigma - Chicago, IL

You've been a true inspiration. There will never be another. R.I.P.

Willie, I'm sure you'll find and dance with our friend Larry Levan in paradise r.i.p. your friend now and always DJ STEVE THE SAGA PEREZ

Your Soul will forever live thru all of us who love and cherish you. thank you for putting me in touch w/ the beauty in me when my soul witnessed the beauty of you! You ARE truly a Legend! Alive forever in our hearts! May your loved ones find comfort in Knowing This! Muah!

the divine willie ninja has made the transition. heaven has never
been more divine with than with this new addition.

Willie Ninja  you truly  gave me the  knowledge to really be the
dancer i am  today the grace and the talent of a voguer  i am  a member of the
house of voyse in ohio . my name is Tia Terell  Voyse  and I just wanted to
thank you and the House of Ninja.

willie thanks 4 give me the wings 2 fly high on the floor of the
ball room  rip- love carlos

Willi was a wonderful friend and great teacher. I am so sad to have been searching to contact Willi and find he has passed away. We was my angel to thru his words and teaching he saved my daughter from joining the Service. We first meet Willi in
Tampa Fl at Barbizon Modeling, my daughter was 15 years, she is now 20 yrs. He inspired her to don't just dream it be it. When I last saw him end 2005 again in Tampa, he was very sick and was pushing is self to teach hundreds of students of
Barbizon. I saw thru him as I has I in the past, I knew he was ill, and I sat by his side and walked with him to the restroom, to get water etc. He was so weak, but he was there for the kids and had to keep going. We talked of many thing
that day, friends who he had hoped would be there for him that weekend in Florida and weren't, he had tears of  of sadness of how they had treated him. We talked of his Thanksgiving dinners, his mom how much he loved her. I sat and listened to him and thought how much I admired him and his strength to keep pushing on though he was so ill. I had 
worried about him after leaving that day, but I never thought I'd never see him again. My daughter Cristina did see him in January 2006 LA California at the IMTA Convention, she told me how wonderful he looked and thanked her and sent
his many thanks to me for being there that day in Tampa for him. I will never forget you Willi, All our love, The Vivas Family

Willy I miss you bro .. I wish you were here

I remember the very 1st day we spoke and you told me the things i
should do in order to be a ballroom success, I never got the chance to speak to
you in person but your passing still bothers me to this day. A man with so much
knowledge, you were and still are a leader and positive role model in my eyes
and I wish I couldve learned everything you knew. Rest In Peace Willie your
family is doing you good hear on this earth.