Saw the Mormon Giant vs Bobo Brazil in Seattle, 1966. Dad let me and my brother bring a cowbell to make extra noise with - about halfway thru the card he confiscated it. Good times.
The fact that he was raised a Mormon probably contributed to his long life. Adherence to a religion based lifestyle often helps a person develop self discipline. One finds it easier to ‘just say no’ to too many steroids or too much partying.
Same goes with being a part of a close family where you are expected to explain what you do.
“The Mormon Giant”
One of my early favorites. I was always hoping the WWE would look to induct him into their HOF. Not sure if they ever did in their Legends category but he was really the forerunner of today’s big men who were athletically gifted. WAY ahead of his time.
RIP.
I actually got his (and Roy McClarity’s) autograph as a starry eyed kid in a Shakey’s pizza parlor in Richmond, British Columbia. The highlight of my year!