No wit here...bodybuilding and the community as a whole lost a great man this weekend. While I did not know Steve personally, I had the great fortune to be acquainted with him, speak with him many times, and see him in action time and again. Week after week, show after show, he worked tirelessly to pull together athletes, judges, fans,promoters, and the large percentage of a-holes that we have at every show.
Steve always had time to talk to an athlete and give and honest perspective on how he/she might improve. Always positive and always honest. He had that ability to make us all know that with real work we could achieve our goals in this sport.
Steve did the dirty work behind the stage that no one else would do. I very selfishly worry about how my show will go off without Steve running it.
Last but not least, I know many people that were good friends of Steve and they have all been so touched by this man that I cannot help but feel their great loss.
This bodybuilding culture of ours has become filled with self absorbed, disrespectful, ignorant, rude, and generally f'd up individuals. If not for the few like Steve Stone, we would have no redeeming qualities. Let us hope that he touched enough of us and left a legacy that will create positivity among the bodybuilding brethren and spawn a new group of "little Steve's" that might work to carry on what he started.
Steve Stone Collapses Backstage At IFBB Olympia Of Heart Attack
Well known and liked Steve Stone, vice chairman of the New York Metropolitan NPC, expeditor of many shows including the Olympia, and himself a bodybuilder collapsed Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 backstage at the IFBB Olympia contest and was taken to a hospital but could not be saved. "Besides being a friend, Steve Stone was one of the hardest working NPC officials in our sport, who worked tirelessly from the local level to the Olympia," Peter Potter, NPC vice chairman noted. "His passing will be a great loss to us all. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Andrea and his entire family." Stone was active on stage himself as a bodybuilder with numerous high ranking showing at national shows in the late 80's and early 90's notably 1st place as a Light-HeavyWeight at the 1990 IFBB North American Championships. Stone hung in interesting circles with a training partner the likes of WWE Founder Vince McMahon. Considering his reputation for keeping shows on time a fitting tribute he would surely consider having the shows continue on in timely fashion with the same care and consideration for athletes, fans, and officials that his expediting exemplified.
Tom Terwilliger Says:
September 27, 2008 at 9:14 pm
September 27, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I’m in mourning today.
As I sit here in a small hotel room in Seattle preparing to emcee an event that celebrates life I mourn the passing of two great men. One you have come to know just as I have through the big screen, our television sets, and perhaps over a bowl of his own popcorn.
Paul Newman who once said, “If you’re playing a poker game and you look around the table and can’t tell who the sucker is, it’s you.”
The other once said, “If they need me, I’ll be there.” And he always was. Steve Stone was my very dear friend.
Steve and I worked together for over 12 years as host and co-host of the then popular Fox Sports TV show, Muscle Sport USA. We traveled all over North America together capturing armature and professional body building and fitness. We would often work until the wee hours of the morning editing and doing voice overs for the show.
One time we were in the studio until 5am which really wasn’t that unusual. Steve then generously gave me a ride to my Manhattan apartment where I planned to crash from exhaustion for the next 15 hours. Steve on the other hand was headed directly to the Tribeca High School auditorium where he would spend the next 15 grueling hours first setting up and then expediting some body building contest.
I asked, “Are you crazy?” His reply was as it always was, “I know, I know…but here’s the thing, they’re counting on me to be there, plus…” They always counted on him to be there and he never let them down.
Steve’s dedication to life and living it to the fullest meant trips to Vermont, Colorado and where ever the adventure would take him usually on his skis or mountain bike and always with his beautiful and loving wife, Andrea. His love, dedication and contribution to the sport of bodybuilding and fitness was only surpassed by his love for his wife. They were truly soulmates.
Steve died yesterday in Las Vegas after collapsing back stage at the Mr. Olympia contest where he was the chief expeditor. For many aspiring young bodybuilders and fitness competitors the “Olympia” is the pinnacle of success. For Steve, who’s life was devoted to serving others through his ability to help produce first class entertainment and keep the show moving without even a noticeable hiccup he too had reached the pinnacle.
Steve died doing what he loved– making a difference in the lives of those people he touched and I’m very proud to have been one of them.
Perhaps Steve and Paul are looking across the poker table at each other right now and thinking, “There’s no sucker at this table.”
RIP Steve… You too, Paul.
My good friend Stevo I was not involved in Steve's bodybuilding world, but I always admired his great looks and youthful appearance. I was privledged to have Steve as my friend and neighbor for the past 12 years. Steve and his wife Andrea have been the best neighbors anyone could ever dream of. My wife and children adore them. Steve and I made easy friends from day one. His easy going personality and gentle smile made him one of a kind. We had alot in common. We both enjoyed working outdoors as well as creating many household projects. I could always count on Steve for a helping hand. I am going to miss him tremendously. In the summer we would take great pride in our landscaping. In the winter we worked together clearing our driveways of snow and Steve insisted on clearing all the neighbors driveways as well. We both had a love of dogs and many of our conversations were centered around his Bulldog Angus and My German Shepherd Shane. Because of our busy schedules some days in passing our words were brief. I would give him a "Stevo" and he would return with a "Kevo". There will never be a another neighbor like Steve. He was one of a kind and once in a lifetime friend. My family will never be the same, but our lives are much richer because of him. Until we meet again Stevo I will miss you and love you.......Kevo | what an amazing neighbor Steve was the kind of neighbor you would love seeing. You love playing outside and seeing such a happy person walking up your driveway to come to say hi. I still can't get over that he is gone. It feels like a nightmare I just want to wake up. Steve was more then a neighbor he was more like an Uncle. Him and Andrea were always there if you needed a person to talk to. I looked up to Steve he was as such an amazing, happy person that got along with everyone. No matter how many times Steve came up and down the block when we were outside he waved every time. When ever Steve would go away I would usually watch his cat because we both loved animals so much. When he came home he would always have a gift for me. My favorite part about seeing Steve in the winter was his long coat, hat and his boots. Steve always made you happy even when your were in the worst mood. You could not have better, more loving neighbors then Andrea and Steve. I am honored that I had such a close relationship with such an amazing, giving person. Steve I love you, I will never forget you and you were such a great role model. ... Tiff |
| TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 | ||||||||||
