Geoff Capes Obituary, Death – In somber news yesterday, the world bid farewell to one of its strongest men, Geoff Capes, who passed away at the age of 73. Known widely as the “World’s Strongest Man” and an inspiring figure for strength sports worldwide, Capes was more than just a towering figure in the weightlifting and strongman communities; he was a legend who embodied strength, resilience, and kindness. For those who crossed paths with him, Capes left an indelible mark, both as a competitor and as a person.
One local resident shared a powerful memory from 1981, when he found himself unexpectedly in competition with Capes during a brick-lifting contest at a village fete near RAF Marham. The event remains a vivid memory, a day when a crowd gathered, united in admiration of Capes’ prowess and personality. Capes, ever approachable, spotted the man in the crowd and called him forward to participate, sparking a moment the resident would never forget.
“He asked me to join in with the brick lifting, and suddenly I was in competition with Geoff Capes,” he recalled, smiling through the memory. It wasn’t every day that someone had the chance to test their strength against a man of Capes’ caliber. Yet, this local lad did more than simply hold his own; against all odds, he equaled the British record set the previous week, causing quite a stir among those gathered. “The headline read, ‘Capes pushed in brick contest,’” he shared, highlighting the unexpected outcome and camaraderie of that day.
While Capes had his fair share of moments under the spotlight—winning multiple World’s Strongest Man titles, setting British records, and representing the UK in the Olympics as a shot putter—it was his generosity and warmth that left the most lasting impression. Capes did not treat his competitors as mere rivals; he saw potential in them, recognized their passion, and actively encouraged them to pursue greatness. This was particularly true for the young man at RAF Marham that day.
After the contest, Capes approached his young challenger with an offer that would stay with him for life. Capes invited him to Spalding, suggesting he could personally train him to become a weightlifter or even a strongman. Such an opportunity was a dream for anyone who admired Capes’ skill and grit. Yet, the early 1980s were tough times for many, and financial hardships prevented him from taking Capes up on his generous offer. “I wasn’t working at the time and couldn’t afford the petrol to get over there,” he admitted. “It was hard times back then.”
Reflecting on that moment, the local man shared a sentiment that many others, too, might relate to in their own lives: the bittersweet regret of missing out on a golden opportunity. It was an invitation that he couldn’t accept, though he could appreciate Capes’ encouragement and openness to help someone he had only just met.
Capes’ life story is filled with similar instances of his generosity. Born in 1949 in Lincolnshire, he rose to global fame through sheer willpower and relentless dedication, lifting not only weights but also the spirits of everyone who knew him. In his lifetime, Capes was celebrated for his physical achievements, including winning the prestigious World’s Strongest Man competition in 1983 and 1985. Yet, it was his humility and genuine warmth that made him a true champion in the eyes of fans, family, and friends alike.
Today, the strength community mourns the loss of this titan, remembering him not just as a World’s Strongest Man but as a compassionate individual who saw greatness in others. His legacy of strength, both physical and of character, continues to inspire athletes around the world.
As Geoff Capes is laid to rest, his life serves as a testament to the power of kindness and encouragement, and a reminder to seize the golden opportunities life presents
