On Sunday, October 10, 2010, extraordinary fitness and arts photographer Weiferd Watts collapsed & passed away.

In an industry filled with delicate self-esteems, Weiferd was a bright soul. Weiferd had a knack for capturing the spirit and beauty of physiques. He had a knack for winning people and putting them at ease.

Weiferd was an unusually gifted photographer with an eye for color, angles, and depth in his photography. He had a kind heart, a big smile, and a creative soul.

Here's a photo of him (right) with BodySpace members Mikiko and Danny-J. Rest in peace, Weiferd, you will be missed.

Funeral services are being held today at the CP Bannon Mortuary Home (510-632-1011) in Oakland, CA. UPDATE: Memorial Service: Friday 10/22/2010 @ 1:00pm - CP Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd. Oakland CA #510.632.1011. Cards & Condolences can be sent to: Theresa Greer 3216 Delaware St. Apt A, Oakland CA 94602.

To see his work online, please visit Weiferd's websites:

- http://www.weifoto.com/
- http://www.myspace.com/weiferd
- http://www.facebook.com/weiferd
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Weiferd-Watts-Photography/233900284010

And these other sites dedicated to his memory:

- http://www.motionpictures-sf.com/iWeb/Motion-Pictures/WeiferdWatts.html
- http://www.siouxcountry.com/showthread.php?t=14074
- http://www.siouxcountry.com/forumdisplay.php?f=219
http://www.hardbody.com/news/2010/10/19/rip-physique-photographer-weiferd-watts/
- http://forums.rxmuscle.com/showthread.php?t=43903
- http://www.ballet-dance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34423&start=0

UPDATE: The following tribute is from his memorial service:

Photographer Weiferd Watts September 26, 1956 â?? October 10, 2010

Weiferd Watts was born in San Francisco on September 26, 1956 to the union of Julius and Martha Watts. He was the third of six children. His early years were spent growing up in Berkeley, CA and it was during that time he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His family moved to Oakland CA in 1970 where Weiferd attended Fremont High School and graduated in 1974.

Throughout his childhood Weiferd displayed great artistic ability, which led to his attending the California School of Arts and Crafts. In time he adopted the hobby of taking snapshots and that hobby developed into a passion which grew and grew and grew. In order to increase his knowledge and enhance his photography skills, Weiferd began attending San Francisco City College. His devotion to his craft served him well. Weiferd eventually established a special association with the ballet / dance community as well as the bodybuilding community. Weiferdâ??s expertise in those fields made him well sought-after.

For nearly 30 years, Weiferd worked in the banking industry. He was employed by Bank of California for a number of years and then he worked for Union Bank for 18 years.

Weiferd had a real zest for living and did not limit himself from experiencing the things that sparked his interest. He loved traveling and meeting people. He enjoyed most sports, particularly tennis, baseball (Go Giants!) football (Go 49ers!) basketball and bicycling. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make other s laugh as well. He always looked forward to the family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays. Those were very special times for him because he got to spend it with his nieces and nephews who he cherished dearly. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, neighbor, co-worker and friend.

Weiferd was a bachelor throughout his live and leaves behind no children. He leaves to mourn his passing 2 sisters; Theresa Greer an Tonette Watts of Oakland, 1 brother Marcus Watts of Stockton; 4 nephews, 4 nieces, 1 great-niece, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Weiferd was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Martha Watts and sisters Juliette Williams and Oretta Watts. His kind and gentle spirit will be truly missed.