Donald J. Len

Passed away September 2, 2010. Beloved husband of Carol (Farman); dear father of Beverly (Richard) Stark, Marilyn (Michael) Talboys and the late Jennifer (Joseph) Krebuszewski; grandfather of Rebecca, Emma, Carson, Luke, Cole; brother of Robert (Caroline), Joseph (Carol) and the late Christine Cyman, Frederick (late Irene); son of Helen and the late Peter Len. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 2070 Eggert Rd., Amherst (between N. Bailey and Niagara Falls Blvd.). Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Benedict’s RC Church Wednesday at 9:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Don was a bodybuilder and played semi-professional football for the Buffalo Bills. Online condolences may be sent to www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com

Don Len; Bodybuilder: is a lifetime Western New York resident. Don and his wife Carol have lived in Eggertsville, New York for over the last 40 years in the same home they raised there 3 daughters (Beverly, Marilyn, and Jennifer). Don started bodybuilding in 1954 when he was 18 years old. Don's motivation was his desire for a perfect physique. One look at his 47 inch chest, 18 inch flexed bicep, 31 inch waist and 25 inch thighs tell you that his over fifty some year career as a bodybuilder was no fluke. After a 13 year leave of absence from the sport due to family responsibilities, Don returned to win some very impressive titles. In 1980 he won the Mr. USA over 40, In 1981 1st place Open Eastern States in Albany New York, 1st place Mr. North East in Syracuse, New York, 2nd place Masters Mr. America Competition (National BB Ass.), Utica New York in 1981. The list goes on; 2nd place in the over 40 Mr. Buffalo 1978, then 1st place in the Mr. Buffalo over 40 1979, 1st place Mr. International May 1981 Niagara Falls, Ontario, 1st place in the Niagara District Bodybuilding Championship, Depew, New York. Don had competed in most recent years at the NPC Masters National Championship in Pittsburg, PA. Over 60 in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He always placed in the top 5. In 2007 he competed in the over 70 and placed as well.

As a young man, Don played semi pro football in the Buffalo New York area. He played for the Buffalo Bills in the late 1950's through the early 60's. Don also found time to work with the young men in the City of Buffalo Teenage Powerlifting and Physique Contest. In 1987 Mayor Jimmy Griffin credited Don stating that it was one of the most sucessful events to date. Don received many letters of praise from the city for the many years he was involved with this program. This was his way of giving back to the community.

On February 13, 2010, Don was inducted into the Buffalo Weightlifting Hall of Fame. He stated "Trophies and Titles are Nice, but I am not in bodybuilding for that. I do it because I want to feel and look good. That's sports to me". For all of us that know Don, he was a legend for all the bodybuilders young and old. Always look to him for inspiration and motivation. Way to go Don.....