Below, NPC and IFBB Professional League President Jim Manion remembers Joe Weider.
It’s a sad day for the bodybuilding world and a sadder day for me personally. I’ve known and worked with Joe for over 35 years. He was always there to guide and support me. Joe was a true visionary, always looking forward, with ideas ranging from training to how I could make the NPC stronger. His constant support of the NPC was invaluable. Through his magazines he made stars out of the NPC champions. He only used NPC and IFBB athletes in his magazines, which made us even stronger.
I always enjoyed my visits with Joe when I was in California. I would usually meet him at his house, where we would sit out back, eating and discussing everything from bodybuilding to politics. Actually, these were my favorite times with Joe as there were not many times you could sit with him, one on one, in such a relaxed atmosphere. He was truly the Godfather of Bodybuilding. I know that name is thrown around a lot, but for those who really knew Joe, you knew his love for bodybuilding.
Yes, I will miss Joe, the Godfather of Bodybuilding. But most of all I will miss Joe the man, who was a true friend and my inspiration, not just in bodybuilding, but life in general. He will forever be the man I loved and respected.
God bless you and rest in peace, my friend.
