Author Topic: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007 (Read 10283 times)

Jizzacked · « **Reply #25 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.

musclecenter · « **Reply #26 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

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

mass 04 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:22:09 AM »

A true legend.
R.I.P.

powerpack · « **Reply #28 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

michael arvilla · « **Reply #29 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:26:41 AM »

wow..................... .....so very sad

RIP

onlyme · « **Reply #30 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:27:44 AM »

RIP to Mr. Park

musclecenter · « **Reply #31 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:32:48 AM »

Quote from: 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

at Arnold Classic 2007(?)

Pollux · « **Reply #32 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:33:56 AM »

Damn. This really sucks.

When Arnold passes away, believe me, I'm gonna fuckin' lose it!

Vince G, CSN MFT · « **Reply #33 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:38:39 AM »

And for others, show some respect for a bodybuilding legend who truly was a great person.

Mars · « **Reply #34 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:41:53 AM »

great genetics too considering the time.

Pollux · « **Reply #35 on:** November 22, 2007, 08:45:03 AM »

Farewell, champ...

Milos_Sarcev · « **Reply #36 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.

powerpack · « **Reply #37 on:** November 22, 2007, 09:00:29 AM »

Quote from: musclecenter on November 22, 2007, 08:32:48 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.

ManBearPig... · « **Reply #38 on:** November 22, 2007, 09:01:00 AM »

P.I.P.

sgt. d · « **Reply #39 on:** November 22, 2007, 09:30:47 AM »

RIP Reg

chaos · « **Reply #40 on:** November 22, 2007, 09:53:18 AM »

R.I.P.

Matt C · « **Reply #41 on:** November 22, 2007, 10:16:03 AM »

Quote from: G o a t b o y on November 22, 2007, 07:45:22 AM

He was 79... I doubt it.

Nancy Grace might disagree with you.

unbatrainer · « **Reply #42 on:** November 22, 2007, 10:17:42 AM »

R.I.P

The Viking · « **Reply #43 on:** November 22, 2007, 10:36:15 AM »

A sad, sad day.
After Steve Reeves, now Reg Park is gone.
Hercules is dead...

DK II · « **Reply #44 on:** November 22, 2007, 11:28:10 AM »

Quote from: Power Rod on November 22, 2007, 09:01:00 AM

P.I.P.

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

jude2 · « **Reply #45 on:** November 22, 2007, 06:25:25 PM »

He was a very great and strong BB. R.I.P.

musclecenter · « **Reply #46 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

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.

inzane · « **Reply #47 on:** November 22, 2007, 10:49:39 PM »

a great iron warrior falls...RIP Reg....we will all miss you

Frank D. Law · « **Reply #48 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.

musclecenter · « **Reply #49 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

Author Topic: Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007 (Read 10283 times)

Jizzacked