George A. Young

George Archibald “Blackie” Young was born in Lander, Wyo. March 7, 1922. He died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at Vashon Community Care Center in Vashon, Wash. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Young was the son of James and Marguerite (Shumard) Young. He left home at the age of 14 to begin a life of many adventures. While hoboing around the country, he came upon a traveling circus where he quietly made friends with the elephants. A boss saw how well he got along with the elephants and offered him a job.

At age 17, Mr. Young lied about his age and enlisted in the Army. He was sent to France during World War II and was in the second wave that landed on Omaha Beach. He bore a scar on his chest where was wounded by an enemy’s bayonet.

When Mr. Young returned to the states, he went back to work for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. His favorite elephant was named “One Eyed Babe.” Mr. Young and his elephants were extras in a couple of the Johnny Weismueller “Tarzan” films, and he can be seen dressed as a native in a scene in “Elephant Walk” starring Elizabeth Taylor.

Mr. Young later went to work for a California company that acquired exotic animals for zoos and movies. He assisted with the transfer of the animals from Africa and Thailand to California. In Africa he met Zulu warriors and chiefs. The masks and spears they gave him as gifts were some of his greatest treasures.

The only injury Mr. Young received while working with elephants occurred when he got between Babe and the wall of a railroad car and something scared the elephant. He was squished against the wall and suffered four broken ribs and a broken collarbone.

Mr. Young came to Camp Burton in 1981, where he was groundskeeper until his retirement at the age of 80. He never married or had children, but he is survived by his adopted family Scott, Christy, Aaron and Chelsey Calhoun of Vashon; Kathleen Hendrickson of Vashon; Sandy Mattara, owner of the Burton Store, Vashon; and many co-workers and friends.

Mr. Young was a generous man who helped anyone in need. His hobbies included woodcarving, pen and ink drawing, making wooden birdhouses, model railroading and playing the pan flute.

Friends say Mr. Young loved Vashon and was devoted to his family and friends here.

A celebration of his life will be held at Camp Burton at a date to be announced.

“We’ll have good food, country western music, and remember George with laughter and tears,” said a friend.