Readers swing by to wish our Tarzan well
LETTERS to the Far North’s most talked about legend are streaming in, each describing the writer’s most special memory with the man who came to be known as Tarzan.
Michael Peter Fomenko, 86, was a reclusive bushman who lived on society’s fringe in the Far North until he was hospitalised while trying to walk to Sydney in 2012.
He lives at Cooinda Aged Care Centre near Gympie, confined to a wheelchair, although reportedly dreams of returning to the Far North.
Mr Fomenko’s sister Inessa this month asked people to send her brother postcards, so he knew how much he meant to his friends around Cairns.
Since then readers have responded to the call, sending letters to the aged-care home and to the Cairns Post, reflecting on their encounters with the wild yet gentlemanly Mr Fomenko.
“My husband and I had a cuppa with you at your camp,” one letter writer penned. “You had nothing on – but not in a ‘rude' way – it was natural.”
Another person wrote: “I used to live at Josephine Falls and I gave you lifts between Innisfail and Edmonton.
“You said very little when in my car and I didn’t like to bother you so you could be in peace and respected.”
Mrs Fomenko said that while she would like to see her brother return to Cairns, the realities of his situation and financial restraints meant it may not be possible.
Readers can continue sending their memories and messages to Postcards to Tarzan, The Cairns Post, PO Box 126, Cairns QLD 4870.