Reg Park: June 7, 1928 - November 22, 2007

We are sad to report that NABBA Legend Mr Universe Reg Park has passed. In many people's opinion Reg Park, was considered to be one of the top ten bodybuilders of all time. Reg was considered one of the strongest bodybuilders of his era, and he competed from 1949 to 1973. Reg Park was a true legend of our sport, and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and wishes go to his family, friends and fans.
From his Official Website, www.regpark.net, you can learn more about the Herculean Reg Park.

Reg passed away 22 November 2007 at 10h15 after a brave battle against the metastatic melanoma that caused him such suffering this year.
His funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at 16:30, 25 November 2007. 

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 his fate. He knew realistically and intellectually the fight was over.

He lived four times longer than the doctor anticipated. Jon Jon said the family had been overwhelmed with condolences and tributes to the NABBA Mr Universe winner. "He lived with dignity and died with dignity and his legacy will live on. He inspired thousands and thousands around the world," said Park Jr. Jon Jon said his father had never compromised his beliefs, morals or principals.

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 labourer to the wealthy executive, he treated everyone as equal" 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".                       
                          
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 the 1951 NABBA Mr Universe title. Park later went on to make Hercules movies and compete in numerous bodybuilding competitions. Reg was featured in countless magazine articles worldwide. According to his website, he last featured in a volume of Health and Strength in January 2003.

The first time I ever saw Reg was on stage at the 1970 NABBA Professional Universe in London. That day he was up against a much younger Arnold Schwarzenegger and also Dave Draper. Reg placed 2nd and I next saw him in the 1973 Pro NABBA Universe.
In 1989 we interviewed Reg at the NABBA Universe being the last one held at the Wembley Conference Centre in London. He was always such a delightful gentleman to talk to and his knowledge on bodybuilding was almost beyond belief.

In that he won the 1951 NABBA Universe, he was the oldest living NABBA Universe winner. John Grimek and Steve Reeves won the 2 Universe events preceding Reg's victory (1948 and 1950. No contest was held in 1949).

The last time we saw Reg was at the 2007 Arnold Classic in Columbus Ohio. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his whole family. Wayne Gallasch.