Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Misc Too Board => Past IFBB & NPC Contests Boards => 2009 IFBB Contests Info & Threads => Topic started by: Anabolic Outlaw on October 18, 2008, 10:18:54 AM
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Ben Weider, Bodybuilding Pioneer and Napoleonic Scholar Dies in Montreal
February 1, 1923 -- October 17, 2008
MONTREAL, Oct 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ben Weider, sports leader, scholar, businessman, and philanthropist, known and honored worldwide for his pioneering work promoting and organizing the sport of bodybuilding and groundbreaking work as a self-taught but hugely influential and popular Napoleonic historian and author, died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old.
In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Brotherhood of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.), Mr. Weider worked in close association with his older brother Joe Weider, an iconic figure known as the Father of Modern Bodybuilding. The Weiders anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized bodybuilding -- training with weights to build strength and musculature -- in all of athletic conditioning and healthful exercise for the general public. The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
Mr. Weider's achievements in Napoleonic history were as notable as his work in organized sport. Mr. Weider's knowledge of health, through his work in bodybuilding, led him to doubt the generally accepted theory of Napoleon's death -- that he died of stomach cancer. Working with a fellow-doubter, a Swedish dentist and toxicology expert, Mr. Weider obtained authenticated Napoleon hair samples and arranged for forensic tests that showed that Napoleon had been poisoned with arsenic. A popular account of the historical sleuthing, co-authored by Weider and published in 1982 -- The Murder Of Napoleon -- became one of the best-selling history books of all time, now with editions in 45 languages. Though subsequent analysis provided proof positive that Napoleon was killed by a poisoner, entrenched academic historians, particularly in France, resisted Mr. Weider's new findings, before finally accepting them. Even France was finally won-over, witness Mr. Weider receiving the Legion of Honor, France's highest national honor, in 2000.
The French award was one of many such high honors. In 1975 he received the Order of Canada, his nation's most prestigious award, in recognition of his contributions to sport. In 2001 he received another signal honor, the Order of St. John, in recognition of charitable work promoting youth fitness and health worldwide. Montreal, where he was a very well-known figure, has such monuments to his philanthropy as the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center and a new museum gallery showcasing a major collection of Napoleon's personal artifacts donated by Mr. Weider to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Weider died less than a week before a gala gallery opening, scheduled for October 23.
Concerning his decades-spanning struggles to win respect and acceptance for bodybuilding, a once-reviled, fringe activity, and mainstream recognition of the truth about Napoleon's death, Mr. Weider wrote, "I must love long, uphill battles..."
Ben Weider's ultimate battle, to make something of himself in spite of poverty, lack of opportunity, and prejudice, began with his birth in Montreal's old Jewish immigrant quarter, known as "The Main." Ben was the third son of Louis and Anna Weider, immigrants from Poland. He, like his big brother Joe, had to drop out of school at the end of the seventh grade to help support the family, which was hit hard by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Young Ben took jobs in garment sweatshops and restaurants before enlisting in the Canadian Army and serving during World War II. After Ben left the Army, then-overt anti-Semitism walled him out of entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms, his dream career path at the time. While he sought work, he pitched in to help his brother Joe, a passionate believer in bodybuilding, who put out a physique magazine and operated a mail-order business in weights and exercise gear.
Thus was born an extraordinary lifelong alliance, with a division of responsibilities that also endured. Joe functioned as the visionary and creative engine of the Weider enterprises, while Ben became the promoter and producer of physique contests and traveled the world as an ambassador of bodybuilding, introducing the sport overseas and organizing new national federations of the I.F.B.B. In 1947, Joe relocated to New Jersey, later moving the U.S. Weider enterprises to Southern California, while Ben remained in Canada.
Ben developed his own passions commensurate with Joe's, for the federation he led, and for the power of sport to build bridges between nations and foster international amity. His two passions fused in dream of winning recognition for the I.F.B.B. by the International Olympic Committee, an ultimate stamp of approval by the group that championed his own highest ideals about sport.
Beginning in 1947, Ben traveled the world, promoting his sport, organizing exhibitions and competitive events. Where there was sufficient interest, he helped set up I.F.B.B. affiliate national federations. At the height of Cold War tensions, he courted sports officials of militantly anti-Western regimes in the then-Soviet Union and Communist China. Though Jewish, he had great successes promoting his sport and setting up affiliates in Arab countries. Through bodybuilding he struck a blow at the racist apartheid system in South Africa, insisting on shared accommodations and equal treatment for all athletes at a world championship contest in Pretoria in 1975. While he grew his sports organization, he courted successive presidents of the International Olympic Committee and laid groundwork at national, regional and I.O.C. top organizational levels for recognition of bodybuilding, which was temporarily, provisionally granted in 1998, but then lapsed.
Ben Weider, characteristically, was not at all discouraged by the lapse in recognition, declaring that his dream would surely be achieved, for good. And he was deeply, justifiably proud of what the near miss meant. As he wrote, "Wherever there are people on this earth, there are bodybuilders organized under the I.F.B.B."
Ben Weider is survived by his wife, Huguette, nee Derouin, sons Louis, Eric, and Mark, and grandchildren Joseph and Vanessa. Also surviving are his brother Joe and sister Freda Yankofsky. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Monday, October 20th, at Paperman's Funeral Home in Montreal. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/ben-weider-bodybuilding-pioneer-napoleonic/story.aspx?guid=%7B52716CCA-64A3-424D-A98D-6B30DD9DEAAF%7D&dist=hppr
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Thats sucks. I'm not a Ben Weider fan, but I'm not a fan death even worse.
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Has this already been mentioned here on getbig?? ???
Ben Weider dies at 85
The Gazette
Published: 1 hour ago
MONTREAL - Ben Weider, Montreal's baron of bodybuilding, who became an internationally renowned Napoleonic scholar and philanthropist, died Friday at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
His death comes six days before he was to inagurate the permanent gallery housing his multi-million dollar Napoleon Bonaparte artifact collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
He was 85.
The funeral will be 1 p.m. Monday at Papermans.
Weider published several books on Napoleon and contended that the French Emperor was poisoned in exile on St. Helena.
In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Federation of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.),. Weider and his older brother Joe anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized the sport of bodybuilding.
The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has more than 170 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
"I don't know of anyone who, starting with nothing, who did as much as he did. He was downright heroic," said his biographer, Mike Steere."To do what he did, to accomplish what he did in face of poverty and prejudice, is nothing short of heroic."
Ben Weider was born in Montreal Feb. 1, 1923, to Jewish Polish immigrants. He and his brother Joe dropped out of grade school to support the family and worked in garment sweatshops and restaurants before he enlisted in the Canadian Army and serving during World War II.
Originally, Weider wanted to be an architect, but because he was Jewish, he was denied entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms,. He worked with his brother Joe to put out a physique magazine and helped him operate his mail-order business in weight lifting equipment.
Weider became the promoter and producer of physique contests and traveled the world as an ambassador of bodybuilding, introducing the sport overseas and organizing new national federations of the I.F.B.B. In 1947, Joe moved to New Jersey, later moving the U.S. Weider enterprises to Southern California, while Ben remained in Montreal.
Weider is survived by his wife, Huguette Derouin, and their three sons Louis, Eric, and Mark.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=235b0678-ada5-40f7-937a-bcf556e8b9ce
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1st
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damn... :(
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Damn, I thought Joe would go first considering the condition he's in. Anyway PIP Ben
:'(
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I did a search and it looks like this could be legit. RIP
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Is this 100%? It doesnt say anything on Flexonline right now.
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maybe he didnt believe in healthy lifestyle?
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Yeah its true. I got a message from musclephone.
Its a sad day indeed
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He was around so long it's hard to believe he's finally gone, but the wall street journal and canada's national post are as legit as it gets. 85's a good long life.
Bodybuilding mogul Ben Weider dies at 85
National Post
MONTREAL -- Ben Weider -- Canadian bodybuilder, businessman and internationally-renowned Napoleonic scholar and philanthropist - died Friday at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
His death came six days before he was to inaugurate the permanent gallery housing his multi-million dollar Napoleon collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
He was 85.
Mr. Weider published several books on Napoleon and contended that the French emperor was poisoned in exile on St. Helena.
In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Federation of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.). Mr. Weider and his older brother Joe anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized the sport of bodybuilding.
The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
"I don't know of anyone who, starting with nothing . . . did as much as he did," said his biographer, Mike Steere. "To do what he did, to accomplish what he did in face of poverty and prejudice, is nothing short of heroic."
Ben Weider was born in Montreal Feb. 1, 1923, to Jewish Polish immigrants. He and his brother Joe dropped out of grade school to support the family. He worked in garment sweatshops and restaurants before enlisting in the Canadian Army and serving during the Second World War.
Originally, Mr. Weider wanted to be an architect, but because he was Jewish he was denied entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms. He worked with his brother Joe to put out a physique magazine and helped him operate his mail-order business in weightlifting equipment.
Mr. Weider became the promoter and producer of physique contests and travelled the world as an ambassador of bodybuilding, introducing the sport overseas and organizing new national federations of the I.F.B.B. In 1947, Joe moved to New Jersey, later moving the U.S. Weider enterprises to Southern California, while Ben remained in Montreal.
Mr. Weider is survived by his wife, Huguette Derouin, and their three sons Louis, Eric, and Mark.
His funeral will be held Monday afternoon at Papermans and Sons funeral home in Montreal.
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he was a bodybuilder?
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Auf Weider sehen Ben.
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...
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Disrespectful and stupid is a great description for the most of you
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Never met a man he didn't like.
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Bodybuilding mogul Ben Weider dies at 85
National Post
MONTREAL -- Ben Weider -- Canadian bodybuilder, businessman and internationally-renowned Napoleonic scholar and philanthropist - died Friday at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
....
The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946,
there is no evidence to support this early date.
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there is no evidence to support this early date.
Epic trivial pursuit.
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When Joe goes to who is in charge of the Weider empire?
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When Joe goes to who is in charge of the Weider empire?
dibbs
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Show some respect in this thread.
Mr. Weider was very much involved with what was happening in the industry and followed things online. I had the opportunity to meet him at the Olympia this year and it was an honor and privilege. He leaves behind a legacy.
Rest in Peace.
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At 85, he lived a full and apparently wonderful life. May he rest in peace.
btw, did he ever train? Was he ever pumped up?
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Epic trivial pursuit.
no, it's revisionist history. that article was a press release by Charlotte Parker of Weider Health and Fitness.
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Ben Weider, Bodybuilding Pioneer and Napoleonic Scholar Dies in Montreal
February 1, 1923 -- October 17, 2008
Last update: 12:14 p.m. EDT Oct. 18, 2008
MONTREAL, Oct 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ben Weider, sports leader, scholar, businessman, and philanthropist, known and honored worldwide for his pioneering work promoting and organizing the sport of bodybuilding and groundbreaking work as a self-taught but hugely influential and popular Napoleonic historian and author, died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old.
In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Brotherhood of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.), Mr. Weider worked in close association with his older brother Joe Weider, an iconic figure known as the Father of Modern Bodybuilding. The Weiders anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized bodybuilding -- training with weights to build strength and musculature -- in all of athletic conditioning and healthful exercise for the general public. The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
Mr. Weider's achievements in Napoleonic history were as notable as his work in organized sport. Mr. Weider's knowledge of health, through his work in bodybuilding, led him to doubt the generally accepted theory of Napoleon's death -- that he died of stomach cancer. Working with a fellow-doubter, a Swedish dentist and toxicology expert, Mr. Weider obtained authenticated Napoleon hair samples and arranged for forensic tests that showed that Napoleon had been poisoned with arsenic. A popular account of the historical sleuthing, co-authored by Weider and published in 1982 -- The Murder Of Napoleon -- became one of the best-selling history books of all time, now with editions in 45 languages. Though subsequent analysis provided proof positive that Napoleon was killed by a poisoner, entrenched academic historians, particularly in France, resisted Mr. Weider's new findings, before finally accepting them. Even France was finally won-over, witness Mr. Weider receiving the Legion of Honor, France's highest national honor, in 2000.
The French award was one of many such high honors. In 1975 he received the Order of Canada, his nation's most prestigious award, in recognition of his contributions to sport. In 2001 he received another signal honor, the Order of St. John, in recognition of charitable work promoting youth fitness and health worldwide. Montreal, where he was a very well-known figure, has such monuments to his philanthropy as the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center and a new museum gallery showcasing a major collection of Napoleon's personal artifacts donated by Mr. Weider to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Weider died less than a week before a gala gallery opening, scheduled for October 23.
Concerning his decades-spanning struggles to win respect and acceptance for bodybuilding, a once-reviled, fringe activity, and mainstream recognition of the truth about Napoleon's death, Mr. Weider wrote, "I must love long, uphill battles..."
Ben Weider's ultimate battle, to make something of himself in spite of poverty, lack of opportunity, and prejudice, began with his birth in Montreal's old Jewish immigrant quarter, known as "The Main." Ben was the third son of Louis and Anna Weider, immigrants from Poland. He, like his big brother Joe, had to drop out of school at the end of the seventh grade to help support the family, which was hit hard by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Young Ben took jobs in garment sweatshops and restaurants before enlisting in the Canadian Army and serving during World War II. After Ben left the Army, then-overt anti-Semitism walled him out of entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms, his dream career path at the time. While he sought work, he pitched in to help his brother Joe, a passionate believer in bodybuilding, who put out a physique magazine and operated a mail-order business in weights and exercise gear.
Thus was born an extraordinary lifelong alliance, with a division of responsibilities that also endured. Joe functioned as the visionary and creative engine of the Weider enterprises, while Ben became the promoter and producer of physique contests and traveled the world as an ambassador of bodybuilding, introducing the sport overseas and organizing new national federations of the I.F.B.B. In 1947, Joe relocated to New Jersey, later moving the U.S. Weider enterprises to Southern California, while Ben remained in Canada.
Ben developed his own passions commensurate with Joe's, for the federation he led, and for the power of sport to build bridges between nations and foster international amity. His two passions fused in dream of winning recognition for the I.F.B.B. by the International Olympic Committee, an ultimate stamp of approval by the group that championed his own highest ideals about sport.
Beginning in 1947, Ben traveled the world, promoting his sport, organizing exhibitions and competitive events. Where there was sufficient interest, he helped set up I.F.B.B. affiliate national federations. At the height of Cold War tensions, he courted sports officials of militantly anti-Western regimes in the then-Soviet Union and Communist China. Though Jewish, he had great successes promoting his sport and setting up affiliates in Arab countries. Through bodybuilding he struck a blow at the racist apartheid system in South Africa, insisting on shared accommodations and equal treatment for all athletes at a world championship contest in Pretoria in 1975. While he grew his sports organization, he courted successive presidents of the International Olympic Committee and laid groundwork at national, regional and I.O.C. top organizational levels for recognition of bodybuilding, which was temporarily, provisionally granted in 1998, but then lapsed.
Ben Weider, characteristically, was not at all discouraged by the lapse in recognition, declaring that his dream would surely be achieved, for good. And he was deeply, justifiably proud of what the near miss meant. As he wrote, "Wherever there are people on this earth, there are bodybuilders organized under the I.F.B.B."
Ben Weider is survived by his wife, Huguette, nee Derouin, sons Louis, Eric, and Mark, and grandchildren Joseph and Vanessa. Also surviving are his brother Joe and sister Freda Yankofsky. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Monday, October 20th, at Paperman's Funeral Home in Montreal. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ben Weider Jewish Community Center.
SOURCE: Weider Health and Fitness
for Weider Health and Fitness
Charlotte Parker, 818-990-2252
JParkerPR@sbcglobal.net
Copyright Business Wire 2008
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RIP Ben. Like him or not, he did so much for the sport.
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wow (im late to know but im shocked)
Canwest News Service
Published: Saturday, October 18, 2008
MONTREAL -- Ben Weider -- Canadian bodybuilder, businessman and internationally-renowned Napoleonic scholar and philanthropist -- died Friday at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
His death came six days before he was to inaugurate the permanent gallery housing his multi-million dollar Napoleon collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
He was 85.
'In my home, 200 people a year see the collection. If I give it to the museum, several thousand people will see it each week, and it will live on," Ben Weider said.
Dave Sidaway/Montreal Gazette
..
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Font:****Weider published several books on Napoleon and contended that the French emperor was poisoned in exile on St. Helena.
In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Federation of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.). Weider and his older brother Joe anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized the sport of bodybuilding.
The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
"I don't know of anyone who, starting with nothing . . . did as much as he did," said his biographer, Mike Steere. "To do what he did, to accomplish what he did in face of poverty and prejudice, is nothing short of heroic."
Ben Weider was born in Montreal Feb. 1, 1923, to Jewish Polish immigrants. He and his brother Joe dropped out of grade school to support the family. He worked in garment sweatshops and restaurants before enlisting in the Canadian Army and serving during World War II.
Originally, Weider wanted to be an architect, but because he was Jewish he was denied entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms. He worked with his brother Joe to put out a physique magazine and helped him operate his mail-order business in weightlifting equipment.
Weider became the promoter and producer of physique contests and travelled the world as an ambassador of bodybuilding, introducing the sport overseas and organizing new national federations of the I.F.B.B. In 1947, Joe moved to New Jersey, later moving the U.S. Weider enterprises to Southern California, while Ben remained in Montreal.
Weider is survived by his wife, Huguette Derouin, and their three sons Louis, Eric, and Mark.
His funeral will be held Monday afternoon at Papermans and Sons funeral home in Montreal.
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(thanx Max or whoever moved this/i shoulda checked before i started a thread)
but i was so shocked!
RIP
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RIP Ben
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IMO Joe and Ben ARE bodybuilding!
as a bodybuilder all you ever dream about is going to Joe Weiders office and signing that contract!
before Muscletech and all the rest there was only "Weiders"
wow this is a HUGE blow to bodybuilding (Joe and Ben loved the sport)
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wow
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(http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/76ben_makkawy.jpg)
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before Muscletech and all the rest there was only "Weiders"
if you don't include Hoffman and Raider, of course
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Show some respect in this thread.
Mr. Weider was very much involved with what was happening in the industry and followed things online. I had the opportunity to meet him at the Olympia this year and it was an honor and privilege. He leaves behind a legacy.
Rest in Peace.
No doubt Ben did a lot for the sport and will be missed. Seriously though, never thought about it until now, but when Joe does pass away, is the sport in good hands? Who takes over?
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if you don't include Hoffman and Raider, of course
true but they didn't turn into the Empire that Weider did (in the 80's and Early 90's Weider was IT)
without Ben and Joe there would be no modern bodybuilding as we know it!
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This post by Shawn Ray pretty much sums it up!
Shawn Ray
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,027
GodFamily Speed brother Ben.
Thanks for the memories and opening the doors for many of us make a living to mak ea living off your hard work and opportunities for us to compete.
Condolences to the entire Weider Family and Establishment.
The Ray
__________________
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From watching the O I would have thought Joe would have been the first to go.
P.I.P.
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PIP, Ben. No matter what you think of him, the Weiders made BB what it is today.
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RIP
PIP, Ben. No matter what you think of him, the Weiders made BB what it is today.
I agree
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RIP.
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RIP Ben
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RIP
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Ben is now in the great gym upstairs
RIP
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http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=63ae90bb-3688-4e55-a957-a9294b3f96a2
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thanks for the newsflash, don't check the board or stickys for a thread about this already.
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no, it's revisionist history.
Right - people are going to use this opportunity to attach all sorts of falsehoods to his life and if you call anything into question, you're the one that's labeled as 'disrespectful', etc. etc.
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Right - people are going to use this opportunity to attach all sorts of falsehoods to his life and if you call anything into question, you're the one that's labeled as 'disrespectful', etc. etc.
I have no problem with Ben Weider, seems like a good guy, RIP. But it is funny how when someone dies you aren't supposed to say anything bad about them. If I thought person A was a piece of shit asshole his whole life why would I change my opinion because he is dead?
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Poor guy didn't live to see his dream of bodybuilding in the Olympics :-[
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PIP.
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Sad news. R.I.P.
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wow he seemed fine at the olympia, joe seemed to be in bad shape :-\
rest in peace
E
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http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081018/national/weider_obit
RIP
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MONTREAL, Oct 18, 2008 Ben Weider, sports leader, scholar, businessman, and philanthropist, known and honored worldwide for his pioneering work promoting and organizing the sport of bodybuilding and groundbreaking work as a self-taught but hugely influential and popular Napoleonic historian and author, died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old.
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RIP Mr. Weider
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R.I.P Ben
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Poor guy didn't live to see his dream of bodybuilding in the Olympics :-[
Poor guy lol WTF is wrong with you? He did just fine.
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http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081018/national/weider_obit
Now it's they founded the IFBB in 1940!
actually it was December 1947 that they first announced the name. The 1948 Mr Eastern North America was the first Weider contest to use IFBB, although Dan Lurie had used the name prior to that. The Weiders held 9 contests between 1948 and 1952, then nothing until 1959. 1964 was the first 'international congress'. and the IFBB didn't become a legal corporation until 1969.
http://www.musclememory.com/wiki/index.php?title=History_of_the_IFBB
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Poor guy lol WTF is wrong with you? He did just fine.
if you knew your history, you'd have realized he was being ironic. Ben made a big big deal about how his life long dream of getting bodybuilding in the Olympics would finally be realized with the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
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WOW!...feels like I've lost a friend....Ben did a lot for bodybuilding....RIP
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thank you mr ben weider for your contributions to history and culture. you left the world wiser and richer than you found it. my condolences to huguette and the entire weider family
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RIP
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I knew Ben pretty well and have to admit that he always appeared in public as a perfect gentleman in his blue blazer and spoke somewhat like an early English aristocrat.
It was Ben who spoke so convincingly on behalf of the IFBB and convinced one and all to join up with the IFBB at the NPC Nationals in Santa Monica. What year was that, Tim?
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if you knew your history, you'd have realized he was being ironic. Ben made a big big deal about how his life long dream of getting bodybuilding in the Olympics would finally be realized with the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Calm down, I don't take ND or my "history" as seriously you 2 iron age nudnicks. :-[
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From watching the O I would have thought Joe would have been the first to go.
P.I.P.
Nvm, I mixed them up...
R.I.P.
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Calm down, I don't take ND or my "history" as seriously you 2 iron age nudnicks. :-[
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha my ass you don't take me seriously , remember your little meltdown ? you know the one Ron had to have a talk to you about? let me remind you? ;)
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Rest in Peace mr.Weider
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RIP Mr Ben Weider.
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SIP Ben.
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P.I.P.
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Wow.RIP Ben
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RIP Ben. Like him or not, he did so much for the sport.
::)
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Ben seemed to be everywhere from the 1970s right though to the early 2000's Promoting BB around the Globe, you'd see Mr Weider in the back Pages of Flex etc, presenting all sorts of awards to different heads of BB federations around the world, obviously Health/age reasons are why Ben handed over the Reigs to his long time sidekick/assistant/friend Rafael Santonja some years back, Ben's dream of achieving Official Olympic Recognition for BB as a actual sport to compete in the Olympics did not and in my view will not achieve Acceptance for obvious Public/Mainstream reasons...However it would be wrong to suggest for one moment Ben didnot give 110% into making that Dream a reality or his never say die attitude for gaining more and more Public recognition for BB as a respectable sport, Mr Weider you were a true general for the BB and your work ethic for both the Ifbb and the sport in General was incredible, Ben you have more than EARNED the right for a long rest mate...Condolences to your Family and in particular your Brother Joe.
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::)
::)
E
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RIP Ben and condolences to Joe and the Weider Family
Paul L.
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MONTREAL, Oct 18, 2008 Ben Weider, supplement charlatan, schmoe, cheapskate, and greedy cutthroat, despised and degraded worldwide for his seedy work promoting and organizing the sport of gay muscle bears in thongs and mundane work as a self-centered and hugely unnoticed but popular symbol of old man gayness , died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old.
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RIP, another pioneer gone, behind the scenes more so, but a pioneer no less. :'(
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Damn. R.I.P :(
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RIP.
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Ben was an absolute gentleman, a pioneer and we have much to be appreciative of.
Thanks for the amazing era Ben.
RIP
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I can only say as I met him when I was kid living around the corner from the N.J. headquarters, that he was always a nice man....and had to clean up up alot of Joe's shit and was basically gulity by association...blood. He probably did piss a good majority of people off, as I am sure other successful people have. I see where another person here says how Hoffman and Lurie are or were true brothers to the sport. believe me they are in the same boat as you have said about the Weiders. Anyway he made pile of cash......BUT still was the Ambassador for the sport! A true icon and historian is gone and I am sure we are a little better for it. Rip in Mr. Ben Weider.
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sad to hear this...A true pioneer ,always a gentleman and very positive everytime that I spoke with him..RIP
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I have no problem with Ben Weider, seems like a good guy, RIP. But it is funny how when someone dies you aren't supposed to say anything bad about them. If I thought person A was a piece of shit asshole his whole life why would I change my opinion because he is dead?
You don't have to change your opinion. No matter how stupid and ill-informed it is, it's yours and you're entitled to it. But when someone dies, you can show a tiny bit of restraint and withhold your personal critique, not for the dead, but for those in mourning. That's called respect. That's called "You're not the only person who matters."
And how could anyone on this board truly feel Ben was so horrible as to not deserve a moment's respect, rather than accusations and dissection? Even if you thought he damaged bodybuilding, how could that possibly warrant disrespect? And even if your feelings are irrationally strong (like Ben's very worst actions have had an ounce of effect on you), you couldn't wait until he was buried before bashing away?
Decorum, respect, dignity, class – all things you can try adopting once you hit puberty. They can take you far.
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You don't have to change your opinion. No matter how stupid and ill-informed it is, it's yours and you're entitled to it. But when someone dies, you can show a tiny bit of restraint and withhold your personal critique, not for the dead, but for those in mourning. That's called respect. That's called "You're not the only person who matters."
And how could anyone on this board truly feel Ben was so horrible as to not deserve a moment's respect, rather than accusations and dissection? Even if you thought he damaged bodybuilding, how could that possibly warrant disrespect? And even if your feelings are irrationally strong (like Ben's very worst actions have had an ounce of effect on you), you couldn't wait until he was buried before bashing away?
Decorum, respect, dignity, class – all things you can try adopting once you hit puberty. They can take you far.
fair enough. :)
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P.I.P.
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Wow.....Just got the news. He and his brother probably did more for bodybuilding than anyone. Sad stuff but making it to 85 is a long life. RIP Ben
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sad loss to bb. whatever is said about BW, is that he had bb's best interest in mind.
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Excellent perspectives by one of the few here who was part of it, lived it and keeps it real in discussing it.
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=241756.0
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/sports/othersports/21weider.html?em (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/sports/othersports/21weider.html?em)
New York Times - Oct 21
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/sports/othersports/21weider.html?em (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/sports/othersports/21weider.html?em)
New York Times - Oct 21
great
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You don't have to change your opinion. No matter how stupid and ill-informed it is, it's yours and you're entitled to it. But when someone dies, you can show a tiny bit of restraint and withhold your personal critique, not for the dead, but for those in mourning. That's called respect. That's called "You're not the only person who matters."
And how could anyone on this board truly feel Ben was so horrible as to not deserve a moment's respect, rather than accusations and dissection? Even if you thought he damaged bodybuilding, how could that possibly warrant disrespect? And even if your feelings are irrationally strong (like Ben's very worst actions have had an ounce of effect on you), you couldn't wait until he was buried before bashing away?
Decorum, respect, dignity, class – all things you can try adopting once you hit puberty. They can take you far.
Excellent post.
Ben was an intellectual who loved life and lived it to the fullest.
R.I.P.
8)
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RIP , my condolences to Weider family
Amen
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http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=26814 (http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=26814)
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http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=26814 (http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=26814)
Cool thing, that is actually as great as building a bodybuilding empire.
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Cool thing, that is actually as great as building a bodybuilding empire.
no admission charge or suggested donation to view this collection. free.
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no admission charge or suggested donation to view this collection. free.
That's really cool.
I'm ot a Napoleon fan, but when i think about how many pieces of art are hidden away in some bank closet or inside of some mansions, it's a shame.
I don't have anything against paying to view something like this, normally financing a museum is very expensive, but that deal of Ben Weider was great.
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I'm so sorry to hear the sad news! He will be sorely missed by everyone in the fitness industry! My best goes out to his family and friends!
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he did alot for the industry
I would have replied "so what, another dead schmoe" but I respect all he did so I'm not gonna say that
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he did alot for the industry
I would have replied "so what, another dead schmoe" but I respect all he did so I'm not gonna say that
::)
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You will be missed Ben. It's a lose of a true icon.
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1,000 mourners honour Weider
Napoleon exhibit featuring his collection will go on: 'It was very important to him'
The Gazette
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Ben Weider was remembered yesterday as a private, humble and unassuming man, an optimist who loved Glen Miller and big band music, who was looking forward to the opening Thursday of the gallery housing his Napoleon collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Known internationally for promoting bodybuilding as an Olympic sport and highly regarded as a Napoleonic scholar, Weider died Friday at the age of 85.
He was to have inaugurated a gallery housing 60 pieces of Napoleonic memorabilia including Bonaparte's funeral mask, two locks of the emperor's hair, the hat he wore during the Russian campaign, several original period portraits, marble and bronze busts, and prints.
The museum announced it will go ahead with the opening as planned, at the request of Weider's family.
"His wishes will be respected," said the museum's director, Nathalie Bondil. "He was so happy about the opening. He had arranged it down to the last detail. It was very important to him."
Weider's funeral was like the man himself: dignified, modest and low key. Scarlet-clad soldiers of le Royal 22e Régiment and le 62e Régiment d'artillerie du Canada formed a guard of honour outside the funeral home during the 50-minute service. Weider was honorary Colonel of the Field Artillery regiment, and worked closely with the Van Doos.
"He will be remembered as a great Quebecer who had a love and a feeling for French Canada, and the respect was returned, even by those who have a nationalist tinge," said retired general Terry Liston. "He was a role model for those of us who aren't de souche, as you might say."
Weider's mahogany casket was unadorned except for a Star of David. There was no evidence of the 66 awards and honours he accumulated during his lifetime, including the Order of Canada, l'ordre du Québec, and the French Légion d'honneur, which was established by Bonaparte.
"Ben Weider has fallen, his earthly pilgrimage has ended, his work is done," said Rabbi Alan Bright, who eulogized Weider as "one of those rare individuals who succeed in creating an atmosphere, an aura about them that sets them apart. Ben's life was full and his years crowded with achievements that touched all kinds of people."
Jean-Claude Turcotte, the Roman Catholic cardinal of Montreal, former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard, and former speaker of the Quebec National Assembly Michel Bissonnet were among the crowd of about 1,000 mourners at the funeral.
"He was one of the greatest Montrealers I ever knew," Turcotte said before the service. "He was open to everyone, he helped Catholics, Arabs, Palestinians, Jews. He had his convictions, but he understood that we all have the same God."
Bouchard joked about how Weider saved the taxpayers of Quebec "a lot of money" by personally financing repairs to Mary the Queen of the World Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Senator Serge Joyal, who shared Weider's interest in Napoleon and who persuaded Weider to donate the collection to museum, was one of the honorary pall bearers.
"He was a humanist," he said. "Money was not his foremost pre-occupation. What he valued above all was mutual respect for human beings - all human beings."
Rabbi Abraham Cohen read the 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd, in three languages as the service ended.
© The Gazette (Montreal) 2008
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RIP Ben
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how many bodybuilders attended his funerals .. any name
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Wow... I'm out of the loop in the scene.
Bodybuilding would be nothing without the help of this icon.
Fare the well Ben.
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Rest in peace in friend
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If I can't find tasteless hostility in a Ben Weider memorial thread, this isn't the GetBig I remember.
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Aw c'mon, needless hostility?
It's not like anyone called him a filthy kike kunt or anything.
Whenever someone dies, it amuses me to read and hear all the euphemism. Passed away. Passed on. Passed over. Gone to the other side. With the angels. With the fuckin' Care Bears. Gone to another place.
That last one is my fave. Hah! I can imagine dead folks up in Care Bear Heaven, looking down at their own fyoonruls, screeching I haven't gone to another frickin' place! I'm DEAD! Brown-bread! If I'd gone to the shitter, don't ya think I'd be back by now?
Kay, I'm done.
DAMY
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how many bodybuilders attended his funerals .. any name
How many funerals did he have?
DAMY
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one in montreal . died october 17 2008.
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one in montreal . died october 17 2008.
::)
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again how many bodybuilders were at his funeral . some known people i guess.
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Rest in peace Ben. I have been a fan of you and Joe Weider since I was 14 years old. Thank you for everything.
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Dead folks are well known to read getbig.com regular.
DAMY
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GOT A LOT A RESPECT FOR BEN...WAS AROUND FOR A LONG TIME AND DID A WHOLE LOT FOR BODYBUILDING .....WAS REALLY DEVOTED TO IT...