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News of Reg Park
This morning Reg Park’s family issued a press release to bring us up-to-date on the latest news that’s been shooting around the internet the past week or so. Let me quote the Parks’ news in its entirety:
“We sadly inform all the thousands of family, friends and fans around the globe that Reg Park, The Legend, has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and we are told it is untreatable.
“Even during this extremely trying time, in a way typical of Reg, he is concerned for each and every one of you, and he is optimistic.
“He is now so glad and feels blessed to have his immediate family around him, and with all of us he is positive. We knew that he was an icon but only now have realized the immense love and influence he has had on thousands of lives. The support through phone calls, emails, visits and postings has been overwhelming.
“Reg is currently undergoing radiation treatment and is exploring all other avenues possible.
“The gym where Reg has been training himself, the other trainers, patrons and his clients over the last 15 years have sent messages and enquiries about his well being. His popularity has transcended people of all races and creeds - a tribute to Reg, known as The Legend.
“He has walked the talk and lived life to the fullest, his way, and for that he will always be remembered as a true Legend.
“In a tribute to Reg, his son Jon Jon, now based in LA, will be calling his new gym the Legacy Gym, to continue the legacy of transforming lives positively and continuing The Legend. His daughter Jeunesse will be forming the Reg Park Legacy Foundation to assist the many who cannot afford to have access to physical training to improve their quality of life.
“Reg is a man who never compromised his principles or beliefs. It takes some thinking to realize what he achieved. Can you imagine any other world champion in any other field regardless of who they may be, and without disrespect to any, winning a world title three times over 14 years and then coming back five years later after his final victory and competing on an unleveled playing field, with those 21 years his junior, and still placing respectably in the top 3.
“Reg is known to his family and to all others who know him as a REAL MAN.
“He recognizes that we create our own reality and set our own life paths, he is a deeply spiritual man who loves life and especially rejoices in nature, a giving man who has helped so many.
“Whatever you believe, power of prayer or positive thought, give a moment to the great Reg Park, our father, grandfather and Mareon’s loving husband. Now each day will be another day we have to be with Reg and keep him as comfortable in his family as we can while he battles against this terrible affliction.
“Even though Reg and the family may not respond to everyone’s attempts at contact, this does not mean we do not appreciate and recognize your love and support. Not only does it mean the world to Reg but also to us, his family.
“We apologize for being somber while informing you of this. We know that Reg has been positive throughout his life in everything he has done and continues to do and always wants the same for all his family, friends, clients and fans. Thus we leave you with the message that Reg has always impressed upon us- live every moment to its fullest and cherish every breath of life.”
The Park family
If you’d like to submit an online get-well note, here’s where to do that on Reg’s site. While you’re there, trip on over to his photo gallery, where you’ll find a collection of nearly 200 shots, many of which I’m pretty sure you’ve never seen before. Click on the little magnifying glass in the corner of each shot you’d like to view larger, and click on the “more cards” link at the top right to continue through the archive.
A selection of his wonderful articles are reprinted online here on his site; my all-time favorite “Reg” story is Dave’s tale of traveling with Reg in South Africa.
Sharon, one of my wiki database collection partners, gathered a set of information and links to other pages of Reg’s material, including his titles and magazine covershots over at MuscleMemory.com, and a great page of nearly 200 other photos, where you can again click on the images to enlarge these terrific shots.
As we come to the end of this blog post, please slow down for a sec to consider Reg and his family, and to pray for their strength in the weeks to come.