English Translation

Ben Weider, Juan Antonio Samaranch and Rafael Santonja

Rafael Santonja and Ben Weider at the 2008 Olympia Weekend

I was awarded the IFBB President’s Gold Medal with Diamond Pin by our beloved Ben Weider
in Nimes, France, in 1977. I was 36 years old then. This was the most cherished moment of my life.
I have known Ben since 1967 when I was introduced to him by the late John Ong.

Malih Alaywan (center), who first met Ben Weider in 1955, was present at the
first IFBB Congress in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1970. Here he is with Alexander Carali and Ben Weider
at the 1974 IFBB Congress in Verona, Italy.

Ben Weider, Prince Albert of Monaco and Albert Busek

 
Paul Graham with Ben Weider and Oscar State

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From Philip Hope
IFBB Vice President for the South Pacific

Founding President of the IFBB, historian, business leader, philanthropist and family man.

A most significant and enduring contribution made to our sport over more than 60 years.

The South Pacific Bodybuilding Federation (SPBBF) and all member countries of our region are an important part of the IFBB and we sincerely appreciate the legacy provided our sport by the late Dr. Ben Weider and also his brother Joe Weider (Patron of the IFBB).

Guided by the values and principles of Founding President Ben Weider we continue to move our sport forward toward full IOC Recognition.

Philip Hope

Philip Hope and Ben Weider

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From Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim El Sayed
IFBB Vice President for Africa

Goodbye Ben Weider

It is with utmost sadness to know that we lost our legendary symbol, the founder of our great family, the IFBB; Nevertheless this is the way life goes and every person on earth will reach the same fate.

Ben Weider was not only the father, brother & friend; but he was also a very great talented sports leader whom we all learned a lot.

My deep regrets, pain, sympathy and condolences to every member in our great family, the IFBB.

He taught us how to love & respect each other, how to take care of each other & how to stand together to create such a great & beloved family, the IFBB.

He will be always in our heart, mind & spirit.

As long as we live, he will be with us. Ben Weider will NEVER DIE.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.

Dr. Eng. Adel Fahim

 
Meeting with Ben Weider and Rafael Santonja at the Ministry of Sport in Cairo in the early ’90s.
In the top photo, Adel Fahim is seated at the far right.  In the bottom photo, Adel Fahim
is walking next to Ben Weider.

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From Javier Pollock
IFBB Vice President for Central America and the Caribbean

After all the achievements, accolades, merits, and prestige are exposed, remembered and cherished one more time; improving what he initiated will be the best way to honor Ben Weider’s memory. Those worldwide enhancements are currently ongoing … and I invite all CACBBFF member nations to continue supporting these efforts.

On the eve of his interment, the memories of a dynamic and inspiring Canadian landing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the summer of 1972 are rushing back to my subconscious and storming like a vivid “PowerPoint” presentation. So much has transpired since he called me “friend” 36 years ago.

Given that it will be futile for me to find a spot where to start reciting my extensive connection with him; I will settle for PERSEVERANCE as one of his most enduring qualities. Even his detractors would agree that, without his intense determination, our sport would still be a sub-cultured pastime relegated to basements and dungeons.

Two hundred years from now, no one will remember the title winners from America, the Universe and Olympia; but they will remember my comrade Ben.

Needless to say, it was an honor for me to serve under his command and an unparallel lifetime experience. And although he will be justifiably missed, the strength of his spirit will remain with everyone he inspired.

Javier Pollock

Rafael Santonja, Ben Weider and Javier Pollock, 1988

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From Aquiles de Cesare
IFBB Vice President for South America

Muchos millones de personas en el mundo estamos de duelo ante la desaparición física de un gran hombre.

Lo curioso es que esa grandeza no emanaba de un poder material, sino de la firmeza de sus convicciones que le daban una indiscutible autoridad moral.

Y su sencillez……me cautivó con su sencillez.

Quien era dueño de un imperio deportivo, de un imperio de corazones, subía a mi humilde auto, como un amigo más, me consultaba como encarar tal reunión o tal entrevista.

Era el año 1999 y se desarrollaba por primera vez en América del Sur el MINEPS III – Tercera Conferencia Internacional de Ministros y Altos Funcionarios Encargados de la Educación Física y el Deporte. Tuvo reuniones con los principales referentes del COI promocionando nuestro deporte. Recuerdo especialmente la reunión con el Marquez de Samaranch,que estaba alojado en “Casa Pueblo”,la casa de Paez Vilaró en Punta Ballena.

Yo me quedé con el recuerdo de la calidez humana de un gran hombre al que siempre tendré presente con mucho afecto.

Aquiles de Cesare

Ben Weider awarding the Gold Medal to Aquiles de Cesare, 1997

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From Pawel Filleborn
Chairman, IFBB Judges Committee
IFBB Professional League Athlete Liaison [Europe]

IFBB Honorary Life President Dr. Ben Weider passed away. Polish Bodybuilding, Fitness & Powerlifting Federation received this sad news with great sorrow and pain.

We lost not only our founder and mentor but also our great friend and supporter. We remember difficult times of the “Cold War” when Dr. Weider crossed the “Iron Curtain” many times and using his outstanding diplomatic skills convinced our sport authorities to recognize bodybuilding and enter the IFBB.

Then, he helped us to get permission for organization of the first in the Soviet Block European Championships in Warsaw in 1986, followed by the 1991 World Men’s Championships and IFBB International Congress in Katowice.

The Weiders family lived in Poland for hundreds of years and emigrated to Canada at the beginning of the 20th century.  Dr. Weider always remembered his roots and asked us to send him pictures from their native town of Kurow in South-East Poland. We always felt that his heart was close to this land.

We can only admire Ben’s skills for solving difficult problems and making continuous progress. He developed IFBB from two member-counties in 1946 to 184 countries in 2006. He arranged the IFBB recognition, first by GAISF in 1969 and then by the IOC (temporary) in 1998. He was also a successful businessman in nutrition industry and successful editor. He made most of his dreams come true and made his best to help us to make our dreams come true.

We have lost a great man, great friend and great patron. Now we can have only wonderful memories. He will forever be in our hearts.

Pawel Filleborn and Andrew Michalak

Pawel Filleborn, Ben Weider, Nieves López Cillanueva and Rafael Santonja 
in Las Vegas at the 2008 Olympia Weekend

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From Axel Bauer
Secretary, IFBB Judges Committee

On 19th October 2008 after the conclusion of the Int. Austria Cup in Vienna I was informed, that the father of Bodybuilding, founder and Hororary Life President of the IFBB Ben Weider has passed away on October 17th in his native Montreal, Canada. When I heard this terrible news I was in a state of shock and just could not believe it.

The death of Ben Weider is not only an immensely sad occurrence for the Sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness, but also the end of an era.

I have known Mr. Weider for more than 20 years and I consider him not only a wise man and passionate advocate for the Sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness, who developed this sport together with his brother Joe from an underground past time to a Sport, that even obtained (provisional) olympic recognition, a sport, that now is organised in over 170 countries of the world with an umbrella organisation (IFBB), that currently is one of the largest Sports Federations in the world, but also a true and trusted friend. Ben Weider was a man of principles, a man of honour, a dynamic and charismatic leader who never lost sight of continually elevating the sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness and advocating the Bodybuilding Life Style.

Personally I have much to be grateful to Ben, I last met him at the Mr. Olympia 2006 at which occasion we were having breakfast together at the Caesar’s Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.

I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Ben´s Family and thank him for his immense achievements for our sport and for having trust in me to be a part of the team to work for the sake of our beloved sport.

Axel Bauer

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From Lee Labrada
Secretary, IFBB Education Committee

Ben Weider was a great man, mentor, and leader. We are all in his debt for both planting the seeds of the sport of bodybuilding and through the IFBB, nurturing it to where it is today, the foundation sport of all sports.

Athletes of all kinds depend on bodybuilding exercises to strengthen their bodies and prepare for competition. I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude for Ben and admiration for his tireless efforts to promote bodybuilding.

With Ben’s death, an era has passed. But his mission is not done. Bodybuilding is on the cusp of becoming an Olympic sport. I know that Ben would want nothing more than for us to carry on his mission and life work of educating others about bodybuilding and working together to elevate bodybuilding to international recognition as an Olympic sport. Let’s honor Ben by pushing ahead and making his dream a reality!

Thank you Ben for all you have done and the inspiration you have given us.

Ben had great admiration and respect for you, Rafael. Ben chose you to lead the IFBB, knowing that you would carry on its mission and his life work after he was gone. I believe that Ben chose wisely. There is nobody better suited than Rafael Santonja to lead the IFBB to the next level. Let me know how I can help you, in any way, my friend. You always have my full support and cooperation.

Lee Labrada

Ben Weider, Lee Labrada and Rafael Santonja

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From Franco Fassi
IFBB Patron

I have known Ben Weider in 1958 as bodybuilder and since then I have always remained in contact with him.

We become very good and close friend.

He told me precious suggestions and encouraged me to organize the men’s world championship of bodybuilding in 1974 in Verona (for the first time in italia), mister Olympia in Rimini 1989 and many other important events. We worked very hard … (together with all of you …), to develop all over the world credibility in bodybuilding sport and health life style.

I owe a lot to Ben Weider as man … as businessman … as sportsman and as Patron of this great IFBB family.

Many times in these 50 years he addressed me letters or faxes calling me "BROTHER". This is exactly what I feel … to have lost a brother …

BEN you will live in my heart forever

Your Italian brother
Franco Fassi

Franco Fassi and Ben Weider, 1984

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From Dr. Bob Goldman
Chairman, IFBB Medical Commission
IFBB Professional League Medical Advisor

The death of Dr. Ben Weider, founder and former President of the IFBB, is a loss to us all. Ben was my mentor and our friendship spanned more than four decades. He was a great man. The world was enriched greatly by his being in it. I feel tremendous sadness at the loss of a person of such depth and breadth of character.

My first contact with Dr. Ben Weider was as a 12-year old interested in medicine. I wrote him in admiration of all that he had accomplished to that point in time and asked his advice on entering the health and medical field. To my astonishment, he answered me with a personal letter within days. Ben’s attention to detail and personal touch is legendary. So began a mentoring relationship lasting over 40 years. I was honored to be a student of Ben and he is responsible for the careers of so many. He was by far the most important mentor in my life and I know I am not alone here: He served as a dear friend, confidante, advisor, father figure and most importantly — a great teacher of life.

I think one of Ben’s finest accomplishments is in raising his son, Eric Weider, heir to the Weider dynasty. Eric possesses the same modesty, intelligence, warmth and leadership abilities as his father. I think this was one thing he was most proud of — his remarkable son, who I am so proud to have as my dear friend. His other great disciple is Dr. Rafael Santonja, the first new president of the IFBB in 60 years and Ben cultivated him as a son like Eric. The future of the IFBB is not only secure in his hands, but on its way to permanent Olympic recognition, an important lifelong goal of Ben’s.

Ben Weider was, is, and will remain, without question, the reason why I am what I am today. I have benchmarked all of my personal and professional life goals on what he and his brother Joe have accomplished. He was our father, older brother, dear friend and hero. I was fortunate to spend a bit of time with him at the Mr. Olympia 2008 event, which took placed just weeks before his passing. Every moment I have spent with Ben will be treasured.

Each of us should feel honored that Ben was a part of our lives, as this world was graced by his presence. He was a man of historical proportions and we will miss him very much. We will honor him and his memory by pushing forth his dreams.

Bob Goldman

Dr. Bob Goldman with Ben Weider and Prof. Dr. Manfred Donike [head of the IOC Doping Commission] 
at the 1986 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress 
in Tokyo, Japan.  These were the first IFBB drug tested event.

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From Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Beuker
Secretary, IFBB Medical Commission

Albert Busek, Robert Binapfl, Friedhelm Beuker, Erich Janner, Fritz Hegemann – the German Delegation.
This picture is from the banquet during the European Championships in Lausanne, December 2000.

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From Prof. Dr. Eduardo H. De Rose
Special Advisor, IFBB Medical Commission

I met Ben Weider by the first time in 1996, when Rafael Santonja invited me to replace the late Prof. Manfred Donike as international anti-doping adviser of the IFBB. Body Building has already a long tradition of doing a control of doping in its world championships that started in 1986,  following the intention of Ben to have a free doping sport.

Since then, I enjoyed the friendship of Ben in many General Assemblies, and in some visits I did in the headquarters in Montreal. It was a pleasure to speak with him, to receive the guidance of someone that knew the world of sports and its different cultures and tradition, and teach me how important is to respect the diverse aspects of it.

The seat of the IFBB was almost a church, and there was a true gentleman that received me as an old friend, invited me for lunch and discussed particularly three topics: his experience as officer of the II World War, the life and death of Napoleon and his sports and the Olympic Movement. This brought him in contact with President Samaranch and the respect of both great personalities, one by the other, was almost immediate.

I believe that in Turkey I had the opportunity, in one of the multiple Championships that we attend together, to understand him better because we used to walk in the city changing ideas and opinions. I will miss him very much, because he was a great person, a gentleman, an idealist that started a sport that was also a lifestyle. I know that now he is changing ideas with the international God of all religions, and speaking about how we can live better and longer even in the paradise.

Eduardo de Rose

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From Jose Ramos
IFBB Treasurer

The world of bodybuilding is in mourning. For us a father has gone away.  A friend, a good and generous man. Benjamin Weider has left us, on Friday, 17 of October. Nevertheless, his spirit and his legacy will be for always with us, since the great personalities pass away, but their work lasts and their presence is for always between those who the pleasure and the privilege have had to know them.

Ben Weider has been a horseman in all the ample meaning of the word. I had the enormous pleasure, of which I am proud, to have met him personally on several occasions. He was an extraordinary being who infected enthusiasm and respect and who loved and believed in everything did. Without a doubt, he has been a gentleman, a visionary, a fighter and a leader who gained the respect by those who surrounded him. A man who still in his later days, continued working for the love of the sport of bodybuilding.

The legacy that Ben Weider leaves us, in addition to the memory of his person, is the reality of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) that he founded, with his brother Joe, in 1946. A federation with more than sixty years of history of recognitions and fight for a sport that, like the magic of dreams, is a magnificent reality thanks to his work and his dedication during the six decades in which it has presided over it: a unique case in the history of the sport.

Where he wants that you are, friend and teacher Ben Weider; by all your effort and dedication, it is hour to rest and I wish you peace. We will never forget to you. Until always Benjamin Weider OC, CStJ, CQ, PhD.

Jose Ramos

Ben Weider with Jose Ramos

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From Bill Tierney, IFBB Assistant General Secretary,
and Wanda Tierney, Chairperson, IFBB Women’s Committee

There is never a right moment and never the right words when someone passes away, who had such a big influence in your life.

Ben Weider had a passion for our sport Bodybuilding which will stay alive within the thousands of people who became part of his federation.

Through Ben Weider, lifetime friendships where made with people from all countries, religions and race and they will remain friends forever. We thank him for that.

We will all miss him and we send our heartfelt condolences to all his family.

Bill and Wanda Tierney

Ben Weider, Wanda Tierney, Pamela Kagan and Bill Tierney

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From Prof. Mauricio de Arruda Campos
Secretary, IFBB Technical Committee

Even not having the luck to know Mr. Ben Weider personally I had the luck to know a lot from him and his successful life from his close friends, like Dr Rafael Santonja, and this made me have a true admiration for him and everything he did in his life.

Mr. Ben Weider was the kind of person everyone admired. Our worldwide known IFBB is a result of the dreams that he believed with the passion and the resilience only the greatest personalities have. He is one of the reasons everyone feels very proud of being part of the IFBB Family.

I wish to express my condolences to his entire family.

Mauricio de Arruda Campos

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From Peter McGough
Editorial Consultant
FLEX, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness HERS
IFBB Professional League Media Representative

Ben and Joe Weider created the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) in 1946. Today, 62 years later, the IFBB is a vast network of over 180 member nations making it one of the largest sporting organizations in the world. Ben was the powerhouse who made this happen. Nobody else could have done it and it is he we should all thank for making bodybuilding the global sport it is. He dominated the bodybuilding landscape like a giant for over 60 years and there will never be another Ben Weider. Bodybuilding and the world couldn’t be so lucky.

All who came in contact with Ben Weider during his remarkable and unique life recognized him as a true statesman, and as a visionary who always brought class and clarity to the ideals in which he believed. For me knowing him – and him letting me get to know him over the last 26 years – has been an unforgettable experience. Like the millions of others he touched and influenced I will miss him greatly, but will forever be thankful that our paths crossed and that I did get to know him, albeit too briefly.

Peter McGough

Peter McGough with Joe Weider and Ben Weider

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From Dan Solomon
Founder
Pro Bodybuilding Weekly

It is widely believed that a person is measured by the contributions they make during their time here on earth.  In the case of Ben Weider, he has touched thousands of lives, including my own.  Throughout his 85 year journey, Ben transformed lives and inspired all who knew him.  He was a leader, a mentor and an educator.  Ben lived his life with a sense of balance, purpose and character that few could dare to reach.  The guidance and wisdom that he gave to the world has assured us that Ben Weider will live well beyond his 85 years.

Dan Solomon

Ben Weider presenting Dan Solomon with the IFBB Pro League
Achievement Medal at the 2008 Olympia

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From Robin Chang
VP AMI Events
IFBB Professional League Olympia Coordinator

When I first developed an interest in bodybuilding, I had no idea it was an actual sport. As my interest grew, so did my knowledge. I discovered that Arnold, Lou, Franco, Sergio, Larry, Lee—all my favorite bodybuilders in the magazines—were professionals in an organization known as the IFBB. And one name rang out loud and clear, time and time again: Ben Weider, President of the IFBB. Ben brought bodybuilding to the masses. If not for his tireless efforts to showcase the best physiques in the world, I suspect many of us would not be where we are today. He took an obscure, underground sport and transformed it into the world wide phenomenon it is today. It’s a marvel of vision, dedication, integrity, and most of all, love. Ben’s passion and love for bodybuilding never wavered. It never dimmed. He never ceased in his efforts to bring bodybuilding to the public, and for this we owe him our eternal gratitude and respect.  

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From Jim Lorimer
Promoter, Arnold Classic
IFBB Professional League Promoter Representative

The bodybuilding and fitness community worldwide has been changed by the life and personal dedication of Ben Weider.  His tremendous commitment and great leadership skills created one of the largest sports international sports federations in the world.  The great variety and creativity that characterized his life also found expression in his love of and scholarship concerning Napoleon.  Ben’s research and writing in this and other fields are among the many significant contributions that will long survive his life.  He will be sadly missed and long-remembered.

Ben Weider and Jim Lorimer at the Arnold Classic

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From Steve Weinberger and Bev Francis
Promoters, New York Pro
IFBB Professional League Promoter Representative

Ben Weider loved the sport of bodybuilding. No one worked harder, or with more passion, to establish bodybuilding as a respected avenue of athletic achievement.

He had great respect and admiration for all people involved within the sport, and was happy to take the time to give words of encouragement and support to those at any level.

He lived his life with honor and dignity, and we were proud to regard him as a friend.

Steve and Bev

Steve Weinberger and Bev Francis with Ben Weider at the Olympia

Bev Francis, Ben Weider, Ronnie Coleman, Steve Weinberger, Debbie and Jim Manion

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From Rick Collins
IFBB Legal Counsel
IFBB Professional League Legal Advisor

It was Plato who said, “A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men.”  Ben Weider was an accomplished man of the rarest and very highest order.  What he did to spread the gospel and glories of competitive bodybuilding around the world stands as one of the great accomplishments in sports development.  It will resonate far, far into the future.

Bodybuilding has been in my blood since my teen years, and Mr. Weider could sense that about me from the start.  It was my high honor and great privilege to have been personally chosen by him to serve as Legal Counsel to the IFBB.  Working with him over the years has been a joy.  I was always impressed by his calm and measured approach, and by his wit, warmth and wisdom.  I will miss our many telephone talks and the time we spent at bodybuilding expos and competitions.  Ben Weider was, without question, a true gentleman.

Rick Collins