Tribute to international bodybuilding icon Winston Roberts

It is with both love and sadness that we announce the passing of Winston Roberts at home, peacefully, on December 21, 2017.

Born on October 5, 1939, in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Winston was a visionary, who dedicated his life to the sport of bodybuilding.

A two-time Mr Canada, and the first black man to hold the title, he became general secretary of the IFBB in 1972, where he went on to write the judging playbook, as well as the IFBB constitution. Winston played an important role in Montreal’s black community in the1970s and1980s, as a founder of the Carifete Parade and with his implication on public television’s Black Is.

Many will remember their first gym as being Winston’s Fitness Centre on Victoria and Jean Talon, which he opened in the 1980s. 

There, fitness enthusiasts were exposed to a who’s who of the body building and fitness industries. He promoted body building shows throughout his life – from Musclemania in Montreal in the 90s to the Winston Roberts Open and Cobourg Naturals in recent times. Over the course of his life, he mentored and trained countless people, from future Olympia and Universe champions to everyday people. He was awarded the Robert Kennedy Lifetime achievement award in 2013, in recognition of his contribution to bodybuilding. 

He was a beloved teacher to many, most notably at John XXIII and Pierrefonds Comprehensive High Schools in Montreal and Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax, Ontario.  

Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving father. Winston is remembered by his daughters Ayanna (Pablo), Nataki (Donald) and Kamillah (Lucas); his grandchildren Nia, Amarra, Loïc and Myca; his former wives Alison McIntosh and Guiseppina Azzue; his family and friends; the Vincentian community; and the bodybuilding world. Winston Roberts was larger than life in this one.  We have no doubt that he will make his mark in the next one. Daddy, may you rest in peace.

Visitation will be held at the DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (south side of Taunton Road, east of Thornton Road by the Oshawa Airport) 905-440-3595 on Saturday, January 6th at 12 p.m.   A Chapel Service will directly follow at 1 p.m.

The Board of Directors and members of the St Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto Inc, on behalf of all SVG nationals in Canada and in St Vincent and the Grenadines, herewith conveys condolences to the family of the late Mr Winston Roberts and wish them God’s blessings throughout this time of grieving. (Submitted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto)