R.I.P. Reg Park

Subject: R.I.P. Reg Park Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:48 am

http://www.regpark.net/

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

Message from Reg

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

Message from the Park Family

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.

Please post all your messages via Reg's Guestbook

With Love and gratitude from the Park Family,

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

Subject: Re: R.I.P. Reg Park Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:49 am

http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/&articleid=325701

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.

Subject: Re: R.I.P. Reg Park Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:51 am

http://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.

Subject: Re: R.I.P. Reg Park Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:52 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1nfYct-bHY

Subject: Re: R.I.P. Reg Park Sun Nov 25, 2007 9:36 am

RIP.........