Posted on 10/14/2018 10:18:24 AM PDT by EveningStar
Don Leo Delaun Heaton, better known to the pro wrestling world as "The Mormon Giant" Don Leo Jonathan, has died. He was 87 years old.
At the end of August, Heaton was admitted to a hospital in British Columbia, and never left.
Throughout his lengthy career, Don Leo Jonathan was one of the top wrestlers in the world, period. At 6-foot-6, at usually 280-320 pounds, he was both hulking, but also fast and agile, able to do a nip-up.
Contrasting his size was his voice, which was squeaky and high-pitched, yet measured and thoughtful, menacing when it needed to be, motivating when he wanted to rally the fans to his size.
(Excerpt) Read more at slam.canoe.com ...
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.
... I recall the night Don Leo had the pleasure to fight the wresling bear this black bear had traveled the circuit fight formidable opponents and this night it was his turn, this bear had a muzzle on and could not bite but it was able to trip, and maul Don Leo for about 20 minutes or so until Don Leo had had enough, and he got the bear in of all thing(s) the "bear hug" and the trainer for the bear through in the towel.
Some times, you get the bear; the other times, he gets you.
Quite possibly; but: will being a Mormon help anyone for eternity?
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!
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