CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE JANUARY Magazine | Page 72

1978
On December 16, 2018, Mike Watson, a legend in the bodybuilding and
fitness industry passed away suddenly at his home in Hamilton at the age
of 62.
Mike devoted his life to health and fitness. He started lifting weights at the
young age of 15 and was immediately hooked on the “pump” and blown
away with how quickly his body shape was changing. He was persuaded
into entering his first bodybuilding contest by pro-wrestler, Dewey
Robertson AKA “The Missing Link”. Dewey challenged Mike, that if he
competed in the competition, Dewey would also enter...fast forward...Mike
won first place and overall. A career was born that day. Mike won the
Nationals two consecutive years in a row (1978, 1979) and won special
awards including “best poser” and “most muscular”. Mike also represented
Canada at the “Mr. Universe” World Championships” and placed a
respectable fifth in both years.
When it came time for Mike to start a career, the gym business was a
natural fit. From 1981 to 2002 Mike was the original founder and owner of
25 fitness clubs including Champions Fitness and International Family
Fitness. In 1984 he was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Bank of
Montreal.