From Roger Smith #2

Chet_Juszyk_1954_St__Louis_Police_Circus0001, originally uploaded by buck The 2nd photo depicts Chet and his compound lions at the St. Louis Police Circus, in 1954. To his left, almost obscured by darkness, is "Uncle Benny" Bennett, who was our Guardian Angel, and who we all wanted present when we worked. Chet's respected career of 18 years ended on Sunday, February 28, 1965, when he was working his lions "before more than 2,000 stunned spectators", according to a Van Nuys, California newspaper, and was attacked by the 500-pound male lion, Brutus. The act consisted of 4 lionesses and 5 male lions. As Chet, then 35, was putting a female back on her seat, he came too close to Brutus, who swung a paw at him, sending him hard to the floor. Brutus then leapt upon the prostrate trainer and sank his fangs into the man's ribs, arms, and legs. Chet's rib cage was torn open and he suffered critical internal injuries. Fellow lion trainer Dick McGraw, 27, rushed into the Big Stage Arena, and fought Brutus off. McGraw remembers today the lionesses wanted nothing to do with the attack and became agitated to exit the cage. McGraw was fighting Brutus away from Chet, yelling the animal's name repeatedly to distract his attention, and called for someone to drag Chet out. The other male lions gathered their numbers, intent on a gang fight, and formed up around Brutus. As McGraw held off the encroaching lions, Lou Regan, 40, entered the cage and pulled Chet outside. McGraw signalled for the lions to be let out, but the young boy on the tunnel door froze, and the lions remained inside, growing dangerously angry and determined. Benny Bennett shoved the boy aside and took McGraw's directions on sending the lions to their home cages. Outside, Juszyk tried to stand, but collapsed as a doctor from the audience attempted first aid. Chet underwent over 9 operations, but was never able to return to his training career. His next success was importing and dealing in wild animals and birds, and he brought me two fine young lions on the Castle show. He later succeeded further in selling rare animal books. Chester Juszyk was born on September 19, 1929, in Syracuse, New York, and died at 81, last Sunday, January 9, 2011, in Peoria, Arizona. He leaves his devoted wife, Jo, his son Mike, and a daughter, Sandy. No formal funeral services are planned at this writing. Chet will be cremated and his ashes brought to his last residence. Respects and condolences may be offered to the Juszyk Family at 10326 W. Griswold Road, Peoria AZ 85345.