On June 16, 2013, co-founder of Body Glove International / Dive N' Surf Inc., adventurer and Anaheim University supporter, Bob Meistrell (1928-2013), passed away at the age of 84. He lived his motto of “Do what you love, love what you do.” until his last day when he died from a heart attack on his boat, "The Disappearance". Bob and his twin brother Bill, who passed away in 2006, helped to create the worldwide “Surf Culture,” with their design, manufacturing and selling of the first commercially viable neoprene wetsuits.
Body Glove wetsuits enabled surfers to stay in the water longer and more comfortably than ever before. Bob and Bill are two of only three watermen to be inducted into the Surfers and Divers Hall of Fame. The logo of Body Glove International, which celebrated its 60-year anniversary in 2013, is one of the most globally recognized brand logos. The company is a leading, worldwide action sports brand specializing in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories and technology accessories. Its contributions to action sports include the Body Glove Surfbout (4 Star WQS event), continued support of the NSSA National Scholastic Surfing Championships and sponsorship of one of the most respected surf and wakeboard teams in the industry. Through Reef Check, SIMAs environmental fund, and the Surfrider Foundation, Body Glove works to preserve the purity of the waters it loves. Body Glove products are sold in the U.S. by a network of independent retailers and in approximately 50 countries internationally through distributors, sales agents and licensees. The firm does more than $200 million in business each year.
The Meistrells' success was seen in Hollywood. They consulted and provided equipment and custom wetsuits for "Sea Hunt", the television show that launched Lloyd Bridges's career. Bill and Bob taught the entire Bridges family to dive, as well as Gary Cooper, Hugh O'Brien, Charlton Heston, Jill St. John, and Richard Harris. The Meistrells even made a custom wetsuit for legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Bob Meistrell and Body Glove were contributors to Anaheim University's Tuition Relief Program and Bob contributed his time on numerous occasions to conduct video interviews for Anaheim University's business and entrepreneurship students. On July 8, 2009, Bob even threw the first pitch on behalf of Anaheim University at the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim game. Bob Meistrell will always be remembered by Anaheim University for his honesty, kindness and ever-positive attitude.