Bill Meistrell
Body Glove Co-Founder

July 30 1928 to July 25 2006
Birthplace: Booneville, Missouri

Inventor and diving promoter Bill Meistrell will be remembered for his exploits that help promote the sport of SCUBA diving. He died peacefully in his Rancho Palos Verdes home surrounded by family and friends. Some of his accomplishments included:

• Launched Dive N' Surf which was the first and is the oldest surf and dive shop in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

• Best known for inventing the first practical wetsuit and launched its success with "fits like a glove", giving birth to Body Glove.

• Honored in the Korean War with a Bronze Star.

• One of the first Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards in the 1940's with his twin brother Bob.

• He and brother Bob were awarded the SIMA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Waterman's Ball in 2003.

Bill Meistrell was a sport promoter, one who will be remembered as a legend in the history of SCUBA diving.

Bill and Bob Meistrell and some very big bugs

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