Chuck Leve, who served as executive vice president of business development for the Fitness Business Association (FBA), died on Nov. 11, according to an announcement from the FBA.
Leve had served the fitness industry for more than 50 years. He was executive director of the NCCA, an organization that preceded IHRSA. He then worked for IHRSA, helping to create the trade show portion of the association’s annual convention and helping to create IHRSA’s print magazine CBI.
After leaving IHRSA, he worked with his oldest son, Josh Leve, to create the Association of Fitness Studios, which is now FBA, and its SUCCEED! event.
Leve died at home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer, according to the announcement.
Despite originally being diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and his original diagnosis of Hodgkins lymphoma morphing into other types of cancer, the family did not anticipate his death would happen so quickly, the announcement shared. In fact, Leve had just announced his retirement on Nov. 4 with a two-month transition anticipated.
In announcing his retirement, Leve said the following: “I want to thank the thousands of fitness professionals of all sizes and shapes for placing their trust in me over the years. I’ve worked with CEOs and I’ve worked with industry newcomers and regardless of the outcomes of individual deals, I’ve tried to do my work with integrity and dependability. I trust that will be my legacy.”
His son Josh shared the following: "When it comes down to it, the truth of the matter is my father's legacy within the fitness industry goes deeper than integrity and dependability. Without Chuck, there's no FBA, and without Chuck, there are countless business owners, entrepreneurs, fitness professionals, executives, and many others that aren't where they are today because of the path this man paved."
He continued: "My dad was a mentor and friend to many, including myself. He was the person I always turned to for an honest and direct response. And while we also butted heads on many occasions, our bond and mutual respect only grew stronger. The truth of the matter is what he did for this industry can never be summed up in a paragraph or press release, because the impact he made on this industry is so much greater than that. He will be missed greatly, but his mark on the fitness industry will live on forever."
More details about Leve’s life and a comment section to share memories of Leve can be found here.