Reg Park Passed Away

[Sareen]

Just received an e-mail from the Park Forums :

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 at 8 Gail road Morningside, Sandton, South Africa, on Sunday afternoon at 16:30, 25 November 2007.

With Love and gratitude from the Park Family,

Mareon, Jeunesse, Jon Jon, Frik, Michelle, Kaya, Tamarac, Travis, Trent

NOTE: Please post all messages through Reg's Guestbook on www.regpark.net

regpark.net/bb/index.php

[vindog]

That is Sad news indeed.

[fit]

Sad news. His was the type of physique I wish more young folks aspired to rather than the big hulks of today.

[Sareen]

According to South Africa's news :Mail and Guardian 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

[Sareen]

Schwarzenegger grieves
www.fresnobee.com/384/story/213991.html
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.

[GerryT]

Terrible loss for his family and for the sport. But at least his suffering is over and he is in a better place.

Condolences to Reg's family and friends. A legend has surely passed on.

[RUBICON19]

This truly saddens me...

[mrky03]

We have lost a true role model.