This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Body Glove co-founder Bob Meistrell dies at 84
Bob Meistrell, who co-founded the Body Glove clothing company and helped develop the first neoprene wetsuit, died Sunday iin Southern California. He was 84. (Photo: Surfers head out at Coldingham Bay an inlet in the North Sea on February 15, 2012 in Coldingham, Scotland. Improved wetsuit materials and technology allowed the sport for become an all year-round activity)
(
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
)
Bob Meistrell, who co-founded the Body Glove clothing company and helped develop the first neoprene wetsuit, has died in Southern California. He was 84.
Body Glove International President Russ Lesser tells the Torrance Daily Breeze that Meistrell suffered a heart attack on his boat Sunday while returning from Catalina Island and couldn't be revived.
In the 1950s Meistrell and his identical twin, Bill, developed a wetsuit with the insulating material used in the back of refrigerators. The streamlined suit fit like a glove and eventually was marketed under the name Body Glove. The company celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Bill Meistrell died in 2006 at the age of 77.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
