Former WPF President Brian Smith Dies at 70

Brian Smith, the first president of the WPF and founder of the BPO, has died at the age of 70. Smith died on Saturday of heart failure after a long illness.

His long-time friend David Carter, remembers Smith:

He will surely be missed in the world of powerlifting for his dedication, frankness and honesty.

He served powerlifting for over 50 years. He was British Champion in 1960 when the 3 lifts were squat, bench press and curl.

Brian travelled the world for 16 years in the late 1970’s and 1980’s has Platform Manager and became renowned for the words “bar loaded” which meant, athlete the bar is ready for you to perform your lift.

Brian was an International figure in the powerlifting fraternity and quickly adjusted to an
International Referee and was later elevated to Technical Officer over all referees.

Brian was founder member of the British Powerlifting Organisation in 1994 and founder member of the European Powerlifting Congress in 1996. When the World Powerlifting Federation was formed in 1999 Brian was elected its Founder President. In 2003 Brian was made Honorary President of the WPF.

Brian has dedicated his life to our sport of powerlifting. We are sure, he will being looking upon us with the same affection. Powerlifting athletes around the world will all have a moment in memory of their experiences with Brian.

Brian was married to is lovely wife Margaret for 46 years and has twin sons Steven and Mark, who have given him grandchildren Abigail and Callum.

If you wish to send your expression of condolences, please write to:

Mrs Margaret Smith
"Shangri-La"
8 Greaves Gardens
Kidderminster
Worcestershire
DY11 5QQ
England