Ben Weider, co-founder of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB), died on Friday October 17th, 2008 at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. He was 85.

For 50 years, he spent his time promoting bodybuilding and led the fitness revolution in the 70s when it was once considered a “reviled, fringe activity”.

He was not only passionate about fitness but he also had a strong interest in the Napoleonic History. He wrote a bestseller non-fiction book, “The Murder of Napoleon“, outlining his journey in discovering the real truth of Napoleon’s death. From this work, he received a Legion of Honor in 2000, France’s highest national honor. It was published in 1982 and is now available in 45 languages. He also co-authored an autobiography with his brother Joe, “Brothers of Iron: Building the Weider Empire” published in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, 3 sons, 2 grandchildren, brother and sister. Memorial service will take place in Montreal on Monday October 20th. My condolences to the family and to the fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts who were touched by his work.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Weider