Rest In Peace Johnny

It is an extremely sad day for all skaters around the world to learn that our adopted kid brother, Johnny Romano has lost his long hard fought battle with cancer.  At 11:45 this morning Johnny passed away from complications related to his leukemia.  The entire skateboard world stood behind Johnny and as a whole embodied the brotherhood and respect we all have for our fellow man.  Johnny is an inspiration for us all and he will live forever in our thoughts.  Read a portion of his final hours on Johnny’s blog.

“At 11:45am this morning Johnny passed from complications related to his AML. He peacfully slipped into a coma early this morning, and passed after being visited by his siblings and grandparents.  Although Johnny had been sleeping almost none stop for the past last night was different.  He wasn’t feeling well, but he was awake almost all night, and was pretty alert.  We watched a surf movie, and then watched the ASP pro surfing contest in France live on the internet.  I would like to think he was dreaming of surfing.

Julie and I will be planning funeral services tomorrow, and I will post time, date, and location as soon as we have that pinned down.

There is much I would like to say about what we experienced today, but I don’t think I can do it now.  This has been the longest day of my life, and I am exhausted.  I do want to thank the nurses at Texas Children’s Hospital, and especially Dr. Dryer, for treating Johnny with the utmost respect and dignity.  The little guy definitely deserved it.

Onward still,

Mike”