On the morning of last Thursday the 26th of this month, I was surprised by the sad news of the death of the master craftsman based in La Vegueta, Mr. Juan Lemes Lemes.
I had the opportunity to meet him many years ago, when I began to collaborate with the residents of La Vegueta in some of the events scheduled for the festivities in honor of Our Lady of Regla. From the first moment I connected with him, I discovered that he was an inexhaustible source of popular knowledge. He was always willing to collaborate and provide information about the experiences he had lived.
Lemes had a great sense of humor and time stopped by his side when he began to tell some of the feats he had experienced. One of the stories that touched me deeply was his constant journey from Tao, his hometown, to Teguise, to attend the workshop of the also master of the timple, Simón Morales, and learn how a timple was made. With much mischief, since Master Simón Morales did not like to reveal his professional secrets, he managed to expose them on some occasions.
There were several occasions when I was able to visit his workshop and thus be able to hold in my hands the famous "Calabash Timple", also the "Cola Guitar", which the Lanzarote musician, Domingo Corujo, has taken to different stages to the surprise of many spectators.
Master Juan Lemes was also a regular exhibitor at the Insular Crafts Fair in Mancha Blanca, where he showcased all the instruments he was creating in his workshop.
In 2005, the Acatife Popular Music Group presented him with its highest award, the "Silver Volcano", in recognition of his extensive work and contribution to the culture of our Canary Island.
From this section offered to me by La Voz de Lanzarote, I wanted to pay my small tribute to a "good man", in whom I always found availability and collaboration whenever I needed it. I am sure that with the affable, good-natured and partying character he had, he will now be enjoying himself with the friends who left before him.
