Tarzan had us all spellbound

THE Far North mourns the death of a man like no other, the iconic Michael ’Tarzan’ Fomenko.

The legendary bushman died at Babinda aged 88 after returning “home” last year after a stint at Gympie.

It was his wish to return to his beloved tropical north to live the rest of his days.

Tarzan’s captivating life story became part of the region’s folklore.

It had it all – Russian royalty, athletic prowess, brushes with the law and a man choosing to live as a hermit battling crocodiles and the elements in the savage rainforest.

For many years he was instantly recognised trudging along the Bruce Hwy, bare-chested with a sugar sack slung over his shoulder.

Mr Fomenko earned his nickname for the way he lived his life and the parallels to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ fictional character, Tarzan.

He was reportedly a descendant of Russian royalty – disputed by scholars – who had fled to Australia and shunned society after being committed to psychiatric institutions.

The quiet and gentle man would share his tucker with other travellers, but was equally reputed to wrestle crocodiles and giant boars with just his bare hands and a machete.

The tale of Tarzan fascinated the public’s imagination for decades and separating fact from fantasy was a difficult job.

But to the people of the Far North he remained a legend and an icon.

Rest in peace Michael ’Tarzan’ Fomenko. Nick Dalton Deputy editor FOR THE RECORD: In the Cairns Post yesterday a caption about three awardwinning butchers had Gourmet Markets Meat butcher Nick Dagg’s surname incorrectly spelt as Bragg. We apologise for the error. The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.