A Legend Indeed
Honouring Our Golden Boy of The Golden Era:
As the Iron Game fraternity payed it Respectful Homage to the legend Sir Dave Draper aka Blond Bomber who attained eternity on Nov 30 aged 79, I am sure his name would be carved as one of the all-time greatest in bodybuilding history for both his grand physique and humble personality.
For as big and strong as he was physically his muscle size & strength did not match to how big he was as a person on the inside and the tribute and eulogy from the iron game brotherhood ranging from Arnold, Frank Zane, Lee Haney, Cory and many other friends and fans espouses that.
Below is a collection of all the tributes that I have come across on Sir Dave that i post here for your perusal.
Dave Draper was an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, including me. He was one of my idols. In Austria, I kept his cover of Muscle Builder magazine on the wall above my bed for motivation, and when I saw him starring in “Don’t Make Waves”, I thought, “My dreams are possible.” When I got to America and finally met Dave, I learned his heart was as big as his pecs. He even hand-built my first furniture when I moved to Santa Monica, and let me tell you, he was talented. Can you imagine meeting your idol and becoming his training partner and traveling all over the world together? I was in heaven. He couldn’t have been more welcoming, and he was a fantastic training partner who always pushed everyone around him in the gym to be better. He was an amazing writer and a great family man. I will miss the Blond Bomber, but his memory will always be with me. My thoughts are with Laree and the whole family.
Christine and I are so sad to hear our friend, Dave has passed away. We have such fond memories of him. We spent a lot of the early years together traveling, doing exhibitions, and generally having a good time. We particularly remember staying in a hotel in Brugge, Belgium that was rich with European charm. Dave is a big guy. The beds were not. We all had a laugh at how much his feet extended over the end of the bed. We miss you Dave. You are one-of-a-kind. We love you.
I was heartbroken to hear if the passing of Dave Draper today. He was the most humble beautiful man. When Jeff and I lived in Wisconsin , Jeff told me every single story about the Blonde Bomber. From his bodybuilding career, to his acting career to his expertise craftsmanship and wood working Dave had SO many talents. I can’t tell you how many times we watched “Don’t make waves” , and the “Beverly Hillbillies” when Dave was on. My Mom also became his friend and they talked shop: woodworking, lathes, and routers . It is a rare occurrence when you meet your idol and they are even more amazing in person than what you ever thought possible. That was Dave Draper. What a beautiful legend . My deepest and most sincere condolences to Laree and his family. God Bless….. you will never be forgotten.
RIP #bodybuilding #legend
Lee Haney:
I had the honor of meeting him at World Gym in Venice. He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met
Samir Bannout:
Dave Draper, was one of the nicest people I ever met in all of Bodybuilding, I met him several times over the years, he was truly unforgettable may his soul R.I.P…
Dave was a man with tons of class…I saw him in the movie Don't Make Wave (in the photo below) in Beirut - Lebanon 1972 & on my way out after the movie I had to slide that exact photo out from the movie theater advertising window...simply because I liked Dave Draper after seeing him on the cover of Muscle Builder Power a few weeks earlier...
Tony Pearson
Rest in Power Dave “The Blonde Bomber” He inspired me and millions of others around the world. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I'm sure many of you have already heard the very sad news of Dave Draper's passing this morning. It's a testament to how iconic a figure he was, that the sad news has spread so far, so fast. He was not only a true champion -- having won numerous high level competitions and titles -- but was perhaps more known for his broad appeal, wonderful personality, exceptional writing skills, television appearances, and class. He was one of the most admirable figures in the history of bodybuilding, and now joins the ranks of some other extraordinary legends who have also passed on in the past decade. Sincerest condolences to his wife, Laree.
With great sadness, I report that Dave Draper, the legendary "Blond Bomber" of the Golden Age of Bodybuilding has joined those in the Iron Game Valhalla.
1942-2021
Mark Rustad in Bill Hinbern page:
He was such a remarkable man. This really hurts. I, like so many who read your page Bill, was first called to the potential that bodybuilding held for me by starring at pictures of Dave Draper published by Joe Weider. When I first saw this image published as a B&W in a Weider Ad placed in the back of an Oct 1968 Popular Science Magazine, I simply could not believe that such a man or men such as bodybuilders existed. I was hooked. Whilst we first learned of Dave via Joe’s marketing genius in Muscle Builder Power and Mr. America and Joe's writers, we would later learn far more of this humble man via his own very gifted and powerful pen. One of his most seminal works, "Brother Iron, Sister Steel", offers profound insights as to what Dave extracted from and sought in every rep he ever generated when set against a weight. His weekly Dave Dave Iron on Line newsletter were inspirational gifts he shared with us for two decades. As Dave noted in his final newsletter "We began IOL 20 years ago during the last months of 1999. Having dabbled in math all my life -- counting sets and reps, and pounds and tons lifted and assorted bodypart combinations -- I estimate we published 800 issues of the iron column during this, the 21st century". What a Gift. Dave's life resembles the Himalaya mountain range--incredible altitudes visited, deep dark valleys transited with Shangra-la ultimately found, at a just perfect altitude, with his beloved wife Laree Draper. Thank you God for Dave and Laree Draper.
领英推荐
Wayne Cadrette in Old School Bodybuilding:
As most of you may already know, we have lost one of our Iron hero’s today. The Bodybuilding God who inspired so many Bombers, has migrated to the Dungeon in the sky. His approach towards the iron, will never be duplicated. His inspiring words and wisdom will live on forever! R.I.P Brother!
William B. Peel in Old School Bodybuilding Forever:
My inspiration and my friend Dave Draper has gone home and is in the presence of Jesus. Though I'm saddened by the fact I'll not see him for a while, I rejoice because I KNOW that Dave is in heaven, having died a believing Christian. I've struggled with the idea of writing something, since so much has already been said. Hopefully, Paul won't mind me placing something here that I wrote after attending the Manhattan Bash. I think it worth re-posting because it describes the man I came to know so well.
"The Dave Draper that I now know is not the legend, nor Mr. America, Mr. Universe nor Mr. World. Perhaps he may best be described as Dave Draper - Gentle Old Soul. Once you get past the gnarly forearms, the big chest and the back that still looks like a cobra hood, the thing that impresses you about Dave is his face. It is lined by time, the sun and the painful process of obtaining wisdom. When you first look Dave in the face, you are stuck by the gentleness of his expression. The shy smile, the subdued voice and the voluminous eyes all combine to form a presence that is...well, for lack of a better way to describe it - comfortable and warm. In fact, I've caught myself referring to him as "Uncle Dave" when discussing him with my bride and others. (There! The secret's out, now.) Big Dave just plain makes you feel good and welcomed.
A particular incident comes to mind when trying to describe Dave. A portion of the IOL group took a boat tour of Manhattan the Sunday afternoon following the brunch. (Thanks Dave and Laree for making that possible for me!) The group had walked to the waterfront, purchased their tickets and were now standing in line waiting to board the boat. Someone mentioned to Dave that a lady from South Africa wanted to have her picture taken with Dave, since he looked like a bodybuilder and her husband was competing in master's physique contests. Dave readily agreed...but about that time the line for boarding started moving and the Kodak moment had to be postponed...at least, that's the way I think I remember it.
Later, on the boat, Dave and this lady met up again. Cameras were secured and the couple posed...a polite distance apart. Dave would have none of that. Smiling broadly, those large arms of his snared this petite woman and encircled her, pulling her tightly into proximity with Dave. The expression on her face was priceless. I don't see how anyone could have smiled any wider...she was absolutely radiant. I'm sure that's a moment and a photograph that won't be soon forgotten. However, that's not where the story ends...Dave engaged this woman in conversation and tried to solicit their membership to the IOL...but alas, it seems that South Africa has yet to embrace the digital technology age.
The Blonde Bomber is the reason why most of us are here...Unc, er, Big Dave is the engine that drives the IOL."
Until we meet again Dave, thanks for all you've done for me and meant to me.
(Written under my pseudonym, Wicked Willie)
Will Lambert in
Rest in Peace, Dave Draper.
Here, pictured with deceased Muscle Mag International publisher and author, Robert Kennedy.
Often the description 'Icon', is placed on individuals. In this case? Entirely deserving and so very fitting.
Growing up, Training in a 'Y', not far from Muscle Mag International headquarters, a poster of Dave Draper properly was hung next to the Tbar bolted to the floor. Late '70's Early '80's.
What a Life lived!!!!
So many areas of endeavour, interest, and accomplishment.
Condolences to his Loving Wife Laree and family relations, friends, and the many World Wide supporters and those with kind regard and deepest respect and affection, for the, Blonde Bomber.
Steve Stanley in Old School Bodybuilding Forever
I illustrated this of Dave back in the early 2000's, and emailed a copy to Laree. Their response was a signed copy of his book, a note of gratitude, and warm wishes. (That was an awesome gift!) I just wanted to share the memory.
Rest in Peace, Dave, and may I express my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Laree Draper.
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RIP Dave Draper: The Blonde Bomber Passes at Age 79