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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Vince G, CSN MFT on November 22, 2007, 06:01:27 AM

Title: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on November 22, 2007, 06:01:27 AM
Damn!!!!  Not a good way to start Thanksgiving.  You'll be missed bro and I'm glad I got a chance to chat with you

From Reg Park's website

It is with great sadness that we have to inform Reg Park’s friends, fans and supporters around the world that Reg passed away this morning, 22 November 2007. 

Reg’s remaining time with us was spent with great dignity surrounded by a sea of love and good wishes from around the globe. He expressed his most sincere thanks and love to all who supported and loved him throughout his life. Reg and his family also wished to thank everybody who sent so many beautiful messages of support throughout his illness. 

The Legend will continue to live in our hearts and our souls. The memorial  will take place on Sunday afternoon at 16:30, 25 November 2007. With Love and gratitude from the Park Family,

Mareon, Jeunesse, Jon Jon, Frik, Michelle, Jhana, Kaya, Tamarac, Travis, Trent, Savanah, Johnny, Bonny, Taryn, Nicole, Chelsea, Kyle, Douw and Garth.


From South Africa:

International bodybuilding legend Reg Park (79) passed away in Johannesburg on Thursday morning from advanced skin cancer. "In his dying moments he was talking in his sleep and training people and exercising them," his son, Jon Jon, said. Jon Jon said Reg had suffered with the debilitating illness for eight months but had accepted that he was going to die.

"He accepted the fact that he knew he was going to go. He knew realistically and intellectually the fight was over. He lived four times longer than the doctor anticipated," Jon Jon said.

Jon Jon said the family had been overwhelmed with condolences and tributes to the Mr Universe winner and finalist. "He lived with dignity and died with dignity and his legacy will live on. He inspired thousands and thousands around the world," said Park.

Jon Jon said his father had never compromised his beliefs, morals or principals and had refused to take steroids, even when they became prevalent in the bodybuilding fraternity.  "He refused to take them and still had the courage to compete against men who were obviously taking steroids and were obviously half his age," he said.

Jon Jon said Reg was passionate about everything he did and never discriminated against anyone he spent time with training in the gym. "He would help everyone and talk to everyone; from the manual labourers in the gym to the extremely wealthy, he treated everyone the same," he said.

On his website, Park, knowing of his imminent death, posted a thank-you note to his fans and supporters. "Thank you to the many, many people from all over the world who sent me their prayers and praises during my recent illness. "I am humbled and overwhelmed by your support and caring, and again, I thank you. With love from Reg," he wrote before his death.

Born on June 7 1928, Park's first international accomplishment was that of third runner-up in Mr Britain in 1946. In 1949 he won the title and then went on to win Best Developed Athlete in America and overall Mr Europe winner in 1950. In 1951 he won the title of Mr Universe.  Park went to compete in bodybuilding competitions and was featured in a number of magazine articles.

According to his website, he last featured in a volume of Health and Strength in January 2003. The memorial will take place at 8 Gail Road in Morningside, Sandton, on Sunday afternoon. -- Sapa
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: The_Hammer on November 22, 2007, 06:02:24 AM
Damn!!!!  Not a good way to start Thanksgiving.  You'll be missed bro and I'm glad I got a chance to chat with you


RIP Reg.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: DK II on November 22, 2007, 06:08:26 AM
RIP
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 22, 2007, 06:20:33 AM
This sucks.

RIP to Arnie's hero.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: 240 is Back on November 22, 2007, 06:27:14 AM
Rest in Peace.  Prayers for the family.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 06:28:16 AM
Mr. Park is 79 years old and passed today.
He is a great legend

R.I.P
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on November 22, 2007, 06:47:29 AM
Great man , great champion rest in peace !
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Pollux on November 22, 2007, 06:54:09 AM
No way!

Someone tell me this is a mean joke!

He really passed away?!  ???
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: backday on November 22, 2007, 06:57:27 AM
RIP Reg Park
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Pollux on November 22, 2007, 07:00:14 AM
The man you fueled Arnold's fire to be like him...  :(


(http://www.schwarzenegger.it/gallery/musclegallery7/mg217.jpg)
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: BroadStreetBruiser on November 22, 2007, 07:01:03 AM
I hope they rinse his coffin.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: OneMoreRep on November 22, 2007, 07:01:42 AM
yes, P.I.P :'(

He means Pose In Peace. 

Very logical farewell to wish a past bodybuilder,
"1"
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: bigdumbbell on November 22, 2007, 07:03:31 AM
my condolences to his fans and family during this difficult time
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 07:21:35 AM
He means Pose In Peace. 

Very logical farewell to wish a past bodybuilder,
"1"
Sorry guys
I sincerely show my respect to the legend
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Mars on November 22, 2007, 07:29:37 AM
He means Pose In Peace. 

Very logical farewell to wish a past bodybuilder,
"1"

good point stud.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Anabol on November 22, 2007, 07:36:17 AM
Bad news.

http://www.regpark.net/

(http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/Competition/Park/regpark.jpg)

R.I.P.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Mars on November 22, 2007, 07:37:33 AM
is his death blamed on the steroids?
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: G o a t b o y on November 22, 2007, 07:45:22 AM
is his death blamed on the steroids?


He was 79...  I doubt it.  ::)
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Deadpool on November 22, 2007, 07:46:46 AM
they show him in Pumping Iron the 25th anniversary DVD
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: McFarland on November 22, 2007, 07:47:02 AM
RIP!   :(
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: The Squadfather on November 22, 2007, 07:51:09 AM
anybody got the pic of him benching the 7 foot Olympic bar loaded with 155 in each hand?
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Pollux on November 22, 2007, 07:51:33 AM
Will be interesting to hear Arnold speak on this.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: liberty on November 22, 2007, 07:54:07 AM
RIP Reg

Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 07:58:05 AM
Will be interesting to hear Arnold speak on this.
The update news of Governor ---Schwarzenegger: Health Care Should Be Common As Car Insurance
http://www.nbc11.com/politics/14662118/detail.html (http://www.nbc11.com/politics/14662118/detail.html)



(pic courtesy of Mike Luery)
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Deadpool on November 22, 2007, 07:58:34 AM
Will be interesting to hear Arnold speak on this.

yes indeed. 
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Jizzacked on November 22, 2007, 07:59:22 AM
The sport lost a true pioneer and icon, thats pretty shitty.  at least he had a good long life and didn't burn out early.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 08:09:09 AM
According to South Africa's news :Mail and Guardian http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/&articleid=325701 (http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/&articleid=325701)

Bodybuilder Reg Parks dies in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa

22 November 2007 04:26

International bodybuilding legend Reg Parks (79) passed away in Johannesburg on Thursday morning from advanced skin cancer.

"In his dying moments he was talking in his sleep and training people and exercising them," his son, Jon Jon, said.

Jon Jon said Reg had suffered with the debilitating illness for eight months but had accepted that he was going to die.

"He accepted the fact that he knew he was going to go. He knew realistically and intellectually the fight was over. He lived four times longer than the doctor anticipated," Jon Jon said.

Jon Jon said the family had been overwhelmed with condolences and tributes to the Mr Universe winner and finalist.

"He lived with dignity and died with dignity and his legacy will live on. He inspired thousands and thousands around the world," said Parks.

Jon Jon said his father had never compromised his beliefs, morals or principals and had refused to take steroids, even when they became prevalent in the bodybuilding fraternity.

"He refused to take them and still had the courage to compete against men who were obviously taking steroids and were obviously half his age," he said.

Jon Jon said Reg was passionate about everything he did and never discriminated against anyone he spent time with training in the gym.

"He would help everyone and talk to everyone; from the manual labourers in the gym to the extremely wealthy, he treated everyone the same," he said.

On his website, Parks, knowing of his imminent death, posted a thank-you note to his fans and supporters.

"Thank you to the many, many people from all over the world who sent me their prayers and praises during my recent illness.

"I am humbled and overwhelmed by your support and caring, and again, I thank you. With love from Reg," he wrote before his death.

The memorial will take place at 8 Gail Road in Morningside, Sandton, on Sunday afternoon. -- Sapa
      
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: mass 04 on November 22, 2007, 08:22:09 AM
A true legend.
R.I.P.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: powerpack on November 22, 2007, 08:25:46 AM
I saw him last year he was guest speaker at a competition.
Looked like a great guy.
RIP
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: michael arvilla on November 22, 2007, 08:26:41 AM
wow..................... .....so very sad



RIP
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: onlyme on November 22, 2007, 08:27:44 AM

RIP to Mr. Park
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 08:32:48 AM
I saw him last year he was guest speaker at a competition.
Looked like a great guy.
RIP
at Arnold Classic 2007(?)
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Pollux on November 22, 2007, 08:33:56 AM
Damn. This really sucks.  :(

When Arnold passes away, believe me, I'm gonna fuckin' lose it!  :'(
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on November 22, 2007, 08:38:39 AM
And for others, show some respect for a bodybuilding legend who truly was a great person.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Mars on November 22, 2007, 08:41:53 AM
great genetics too considering the time.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Pollux on November 22, 2007, 08:45:03 AM
Farewell, champ...


(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w142/Flex2000/IMG_0536-1.jpg?t=1195749701)
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Milos_Sarcev on November 22, 2007, 08:55:25 AM
My condolences to his family and love ones.

I had tried to visit him couple of months ago while I was in Johannesburg and actually called him, introduced myself and told him that I would really only want to see him, shake his hand and pay my respect...and Reg thanked me for it but told me that he really doesn't want to see anybody and that he hopes I understand that.

He was beyond polite - letting me know that his present condition is the only reason he would not want to be seen...and as much as I really wanted to see him - I had to accept his wishes and not be as persistent as I usually am (I usually get what I want...as I just have to find the "angle"...but in this case - I didn't even want to look for any angles out of respect).

I also had a pleasure to talk to few people from Johannesburg and everyone told me the same thing: Reg had aura around him...charm and sense of power...reflecting in legendary strength and confidence...
He influenced many of us and will forever be what he truly is - A LEGEND in true sense of that word.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: powerpack on November 22, 2007, 09:00:29 AM
at Arnold Classic 2007(?)
Nope last year at a IFBB provincial competition in Cape Town South Africa.
He was guest speaker, received an award and gave out one of the prizes if my memory serves me right.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: ManBearPig... on November 22, 2007, 09:01:00 AM
P.I.P.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: sgt. d on November 22, 2007, 09:30:47 AM
RIP Reg
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: chaos on November 22, 2007, 09:53:18 AM
R.I.P. :(
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: Matt C on November 22, 2007, 10:16:03 AM

He was 79...  I doubt it.  ::)

Nancy Grace might disagree with you.
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: unbatrainer on November 22, 2007, 10:17:42 AM
R.I.P
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: The Viking on November 22, 2007, 10:36:15 AM
A sad, sad day.
After Steve Reeves, now Reg Park is gone.
Hercules is dead...
Title: Re: RIP.....Reg Park
Post by: DK II on November 22, 2007, 11:28:10 AM
P.I.P.

looks like this will become the true way of honoring a legend like Reg Park.

Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: jude2 on November 22, 2007, 06:25:25 PM
He was a very great and strong BB.  R.I.P.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 07:46:38 PM
According to The Fresno Bee - Nov 22 3:30 PMhttp://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/213991.html (http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/213991.html)

Schwarzenegger grieves after famed bodybuilder, ex-trainer dies
11/22/07 15:14:16

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday said he was deeply saddened by the death of his former trainer and mentor, legendary bodybuilder Reg Park.

"He was like a second father to me," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "He is the reason I was motivated to become Mr. Universe myself and come to America and make movies."

South African media reported that Park died Thursday morning in Johannesburg. The Mail and Guardian in Johannesburg reported that he died from advanced skin cancer. He was 79.

"Other than my parents, there may be no single person who had more to do with me becoming the person I am today than Reg," Schwarzenegger said of the three-time Mr. Universe winner.

Park, originally from Yorkshire, England, was a key influence early on in Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career, when he trained with the future governor in South Africa.

"It was Reg who impressed upon me how hard I would have to work if I wanted to achieve my dreams," Schwarzenegger said. "I'll always remember him making me do calf raises with 1,000 pounds at 5 o'clock in the morning."

Schwarzenegger went on to compete against Park in a bodybuilding contest in 1970, and beat his mentor in a closely fought contest, according to the Reg Park Legacy Foundation's Web site.

Park's striking figure - he was six foot and in his younger days weighed up to 250 pounds - caught the eye of film producers and he starred in five Italian "sword-and-scandal" movies in the '60s, according to the Web site.

Park is survived by his son Jon Jon, daughter Jeunesse and wife Marion.

"Reg was a dear friend, an extraordinary mentor and a personal hero," Schwarzenegger said.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: inzane on November 22, 2007, 10:49:39 PM
a great iron warrior falls...RIP Reg....we will all miss you
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Frank D. Law on November 23, 2007, 01:07:30 AM
Yes, Reg Park the legend lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans.  In this sense, the legend lives on!

From his fans throughout Asia.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: musclecenter on November 23, 2007, 03:52:58 AM
I am a South African working out with Coach Huang at Muscle Centre in Taipei. We heard of Reg Park's passing and would like to express our condolences.

Mike
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: PORKY on November 23, 2007, 04:35:29 AM
R.I.P Reg. :'(

Someone start a pictorial tribute for Reg Park? It will be great especially for the younger generation who knows very little of this great champion.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: GoneAway on November 23, 2007, 05:37:34 AM
rip reg. another guy who made bbing what it is today, in more ways than one.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Pollux on November 23, 2007, 06:01:42 AM
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w142/Flex2000/IMG_0545.jpg)

(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w142/Flex2000/IMG_0544.jpg)
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: will938 on November 23, 2007, 10:52:20 AM
RIP :'(
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: bic_staedtler on November 23, 2007, 01:47:34 PM
A legend who will never be forgotten, rest in peace, Reg Park.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: alejandro_torres on November 23, 2007, 06:48:20 PM
rip
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Overload on November 24, 2007, 02:48:27 PM
R.I.P.


 8)
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Mazda323 on November 24, 2007, 11:44:27 PM
R.I.P. ...
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: MikeThaMachine on November 25, 2007, 09:04:02 AM
P.I.P.

The whole BBing community has lost a legend, you could even say the whole world might not be the same without him considering he was the man that the great Arnold looked up to and tried to emulate in body & mind.

Don't forget, a hero gets remembered but a legend never dies.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: The Wizard on November 26, 2007, 12:37:29 AM
Such sad news. I was fortunate enough to have met Reg Park. He was a gentleman and a legend. Your bodybuilding legacy will live forever Mr Park. Rest in Peace.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: webcake on November 26, 2007, 02:30:06 AM
R.I.P Reg. :(

Ive been sick for the last few days so i only just found out. Guy was a true legend. Anyone who was a hero of Arnie's must have been one hell of a person.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: GoneAway on November 26, 2007, 03:45:23 AM
R.I.P Reg. :(

Ive been sick for the last few days so i only just found out. Guy was a true legend. Anyone who was a hero of Arnie's must have been one hell of a person.

no doubt. i'd imagine reg was very similar to arnold. maybe someone can share some reg park stories...?
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: dantelis on November 26, 2007, 10:04:07 AM
RIP Reg.  Sad to see this great bodybuilder go.

Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: jonsande on November 26, 2007, 09:45:30 PM
Legend.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: musclecenter on November 26, 2007, 11:58:05 PM
Special report from The Independent
Reg Park: First British Mr Universe
Published: 27 November 2007

Roy Park (Reg Park), bodybuilder and actor: born Leeds, Yorkshire 7 June 1928; married 1952 Mareon Isaacs (one son, one daughter); died Johannesburg, South Africa 22 November 2007................

http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article3198904.ece (http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article3198904.ece)
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Trev on November 27, 2007, 07:30:31 AM
Horrible news. The man was a legend and such a masculine icon. R.I.P. Reg - Your kind will never be seen again.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Pollux on November 28, 2007, 04:41:39 AM
Horrible news. The man was a legend and such a masculine icon. R.I.P. Reg - Your kind will never be seen again.

Save that saying for Arnold's passing.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: smaul on November 28, 2007, 05:41:03 AM
RIP Reg
 :'(
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: dantelis on November 28, 2007, 04:11:47 PM
It was amazing how thick Reg's back and chest were for the time.  With his small waist, it made his upper body look huge.

Wonder if his waist was smaller in this 1950 picture than when he had his measurements taken in 1956 at Weight 230, Height 6'1", Arm 19", Calf 18", Thigh 28", Chest (normal) 52", Waist 32", Wrist 8", Neck 19", Forearm (gooseneck) 16".


(http://www.ifbbpro.com/wp-content/uploads/image/2007/news/regpark5.jpg)
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: Gym dude on November 28, 2007, 10:30:18 PM
I just found out when I went on to get big.That is sad to lose such great legend in this sport. Rest in peace.
Title: Re: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007
Post by: knny187 on November 29, 2007, 11:36:03 AM
Rest in Peace


He inspired millions & will be always remembered