Welcome... to Dave Follansbee.com
In Memory of Steve Stone
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I met Steve for the first time at the 2005 NPC Team Universe Championship in NYC. Over the few years that I was privileged enough to work at bodybuilding competitions with Steve, I silently observed a briliant man redefine how bodybuilding competitions are to be produced and handled. From the way he set the format of an event, to dealing with stressed out and over-traveled competitors, judges and staff alike, he quietly took it all in, and then like the "bodybuilding maestro" that he was, waived his wand and his massive "orchestra", usually in excess over 500 "players" comprised of dedicated competitors, judges, expeditors, sound crew, master of ceremonies and more, always came together produced a flawless competition and show, always done with that trademarked and infectious Steve Stone bright smile on his face. And at the end of the day, if you didn't have a smile on your face, one quick chat with him while leaving the theatre and well...you would. His chats with you could be quite brief, but you always walked away satisfied. At the 2007 NPC Kim Klein Championship, he informed me just before pre-judging that I would be the men's head judge. Terrified to be a head judge in NY because of the honor and prestige attached to that title, I simply nodded and agreed. I did my very best to run the judges table, confident that if he believed I could do it; I could.
I attended Steve's service with my then girlfriend Maggie Blanchard and Mike Katz. I learned on that day that the truest testament, compliment and respect that can be paid to one's life can be found in those whom attend their service. There were people from great distance and all walks of life. It didnt matter if people liked or disliked each other, they came together as a "family" and a whole to achieve one goal; pay their respect to Steve. It spoke quite clearly and loudly just how loved and appreciated Steve is. As the service went on, my tears came on stronger and stronger and I didn't care who saw. Mags quietly asked if I was reminded of my dad. It wasnt that. Bodybuilding, the sport that I love, the sport that has provided to me everything that I posess, the sport that has made me who I am today and given me an indentity, had tragically lost one of it's most noble gentlemen that it will ever have known. I will never forget you Steve, along with the valuable wisdom and happy memories (including being a part of my 30th birthday party) gained from knowing you.
~Dave Follansbee
From IFBBPro.com
STEVE STONE POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED
IFBB PRO LEAGUE’S HIGHEST HONOUR
Steve Stone, NPC/IFBB Pro League Chief Expediter, suddenly passed away during the 2008 Olympia Weekend. Steve, 51, was a New York NPC Vice Chairman, working with Steve Weinberger. Steve was a contest promoter and competitive bodybuilder who won the light-heavyweght category at the 1990 North American Championships. Steve was best known as the Chief Expediter at NPC national events and the Olympia. Steve was a good friend and colleague to many in the NPC and IFBB Pro League; he was well respected, admired and loved by all, particularly by the athletes and competitors he so graciously served.
The IFBB Pro League is honoured to present its highest award, the ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL,
posthumously to Steve Stone. Steve’s wife, Andrea, who is an NPC/IFBB Pro League official and statistician,
accepted the award at the finals of the 2008 Mr. Olympia. Accompanying Andrea onstage
were longtime friends and colleagues Jim Manion, Chairman of the IFBB Pro League,
Steve Weinberger, New York NPC Chairman, and Master of Ceremonies and
IFBB Pro Athlete Rep Bob Cicherillo.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO STEVE’S FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.
from bb.com...
