In this issue of Locksmith Ledger, you’ll find our tribute to longtime editor and industry icon Gale Johnson, who died at his home March 24 at age 84. After more than six decades in the locksmith business and 32 years as the editor of the Ledger, Gale has affected countless folks. The point was certainly brought home through my LinkedIn account where I posted my story on Gale’s passing. In less than 36 hours, close to 2,000 people had read the post and 40 had commented. Quite a tribute to our friend.
One of those who chimed in was my buddy Bob Swoope, who was the vice president of sales for Alarm Lock for two decades. Prior to that, he was the best salesperson I ever worked with when I was the vice president of publishing for Locksmith Ledger in Park Ridge, Illinois, back in the mid-’90s. Bob appreciated Gale’s direct approach, which aligned with his. I appreciated them both.
“We both had the pleasure working alongside Gale at Locksmith Ledger. I spent 1991–1996 at Locksmith Ledger, then spent the next 25 years counting on Gale for his unbiased and sometimes unabashed articles on all topics within our industry — something that was equally important to all companies and competitors alike. I always looked forward to his visits to our booth at trade shows and at SHDA. All who crossed paths with Gale will always be better for it,” Swoope says.
Jerry Burhans, managing director of ABLOY USA Critical Infrastructure, was a close industry associate of Gale and looked to him for sage interaction.
“I met Gale at an association meeting many years ago. He was always friendly and provided me with some great advice. He always had time to help me with my career and product creation. I will miss Gale dearly as I am sure many of you will. He lived in a nearby city to my office at CCL and occasionally would drop by just to see what was going on with me,” Burhans says, adding that it’s a little-known fact that Gale worked for ABLOY years ago when ABLOY established an office in the Chicagoland area to cover the U.S. market. “He was so excited to let me know this when I joined ABLOY. Gale understood the lock industry, because he was one with the industry and cared so deeply about his fellow locksmiths. I will miss meeting with him at SHDA and sharing in his enthusiasm to learn about new products and technology.”
Rick Bayuk, the owner at WT Bradley & Son Locksmiths in Stratford, Connecticut, perhaps sums up the peer admiration best: “I’m not sure if there is anyone who’s been in the business 30 years or longer who hasn’t been touched or witnessed the presence of this man. Whether hanging out at a Yankee show or a class, there was no one more representative of what makes this industry great.”
Gale, great men are remembered well beyond their passing. This will be our gift provided by your service. Thank you.
