- We are sad to report that Reg Park has passed away. In many people's opinion of Reg Park, he is considered one of the top ten bodybuilders of all time. Reg was considered one of the strongest bodybuilders of his time, and he competed from 1949 to 1970. Reg Park was a legend in our sport, and we are saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and wishes go to his family, friends and fans.
- From Reg Park's Official Website, www.regpark.net, where you can learn more about Reg.
It is with immense sadness that we have to inform Reg’s friends, fans and supporters around the world that Reg passed away this morning, 22 November 2007 at 10h15 after a brave battle against the metastatic melanoma that caused him such suffering this year.
Reg’s last months with us were spent at home surrounded by a sea of love and good wishes from his family and friends around the globe. Reg had such a huge heart, such great dignity and grace and he was so humble. He continually expressed his most sincere thanks and love to all who supported and loved him throughout his life.
The family again thank all of you who sent so many beautiful messages of support throughout his illness.
The Legend will continue to live in our hearts and our souls, forever. The world was a richer place thanks to this beautiful and true man who has taught so many of us so much about life and love and what it means to be human.
Thank you to those of you who have generously donated to the Reg Park Foundation which we hope will continue Reg's legacy by offering disadvantaged youth access to sport and fitness.
The memorial will take place on Sunday afternoon at 16:30, 25 November 2007. Reg did not want wreaths of flowers so if you feel you would like to send something please go to www.trees.co.za to plant a tree in his name or donate to his foundation.
- From South Africa news...
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
- From Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger, from the Fresno Bee
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."
"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. "Reg was a dear friend, an extraordinary mentor and a personal hero," Schwarzenegger said.
- From Milos Sarcev
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.
