Members of Bermuda’s body building community are mourning the loss of Cliff Looby, a pioneer and trailblazer in the early days of body building in Bermuda.
Mr Looby, who was in his 80’s, passed away in the UK last week. He relocated with his daughter some time ago.
Longtime colleague and friend Dennis Wainwright, a former administrator and judge for the Bermuda Body Building and Fitness Federation, said: “I was shocked to hear of Cliff’s passing.
“But I know when he left here he wasn’t in the best of health when he left with his daughter, who took him to the UK.
“He was a pioneer of body building in Bermuda,” said Mr Wainwright.
“Cliff was very adventurous, he was a visionary because he helped build it to what it is today,
“He had one of the first public gyms in Bermuda, the first one was at his home in Pembroke in the 1950’s. But his bigger gym was at the Masjiid, then he moved near Pasta Basta.
“Cliff was always looking to improve not only the body but the apparatus – the equipment used for body building exercise. He would always make improvements,” said Mr Wainwright.
“This is a big loss to Bermuda’s body building community but his legacy will live on, I remember most of all that Cliff was always a gentleman,” he added.
“Cliff was one of the first body builders I met here as he was a fellow officer and we often worked out together,” said Mr Cook.
“He was a meticulous person – always very smartly dressed at work.
“Cliff also made a movie – like a Tarzan movie in Bermuda and it was quite good too!
“He also worked in various gyms and owned one after leaving the service,” he added.
“I know Cliff competed in Mr Bermuda contests back in early 1960’s and he was impressive!
- Feature Photos Bermuda Body Building & Fitness Federation Facebook Page