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Johnson Leathers
March 2 · Instagram ·I’m writing to let all of you know that Johnson Tam, the founder of Johnson Leathers passed away in the early morning hours of March 1, 2023, after a six-year battle with cancer. Most of you probably have no idea who Johnson was, but it’s important that you do.
Johnson was an absolute master of the craft, and he would often work late into the evenings because he preferred working alone and undisturbed. He took so much pride in his work and always stressed the importance of quality craftsmanship. Johnson would often examine the work of other makers to see how they did things and find ways to improve. Johnson was a wizard with a pair of scissors, and he was fiercely loyal to his one pair of Shozaburos he'd been using for decades. He enjoyed a good meal, classical music and his favorite color was blue because it reminded him of the sky. He loved living in San Francisco. He spoke with a heavy accent that was often hard to understand. He could be temperamental, impatient, and stubborn, but he was also extremely generous, kind and caring. To some Johnson left an impression of being aloof and reserved, but if he knew you, if he trusted you, he would talk non-stop telling you stories of his life. When he smiled and laughed you knew it was genuine. He never faked it…he didn’t know how.
After Johnson retired in 2019, he would often tell me how he felt he lived a good life and accomplished the things he set out to. He built a successful business. He bought a home, cars, and motorcycles. He traveled the world. He’d come a long way from the 26-year-old that arrived in San Francisco and didn’t speak a word of English.
Periodically he would show up at the shop unannounced, shuffle his way to his worktable and ask if there’s anything he could help with. There always was. Being back at the shop was comforting to him and he enjoyed working without the pressures of running the business. I am thankful for the time we spent together over these past seven years I am thankful for the things he taught me and his mentorship. I am most thankful to have had him as a friend.
Rest in power, my dear friend. You will be missed.
