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JOHNNY SOMBRERO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHNNY SOMBRERO
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63 Entries
Syl
July 25, 2025
I think the year was 1969 when a gentleman and his wife showed up at my house in Etobicoke. I was 11 years old. He was negotiating the purchase of my brothers Harley Davidson. At one point, my sister said to me, "Do you know who that is? That's Johnny Sombrero, leader of the Black Diamond Riders."
I was blown away. The leader of a notable bike club...at my house! For all these decades, that was always a bragging right for me. How many of my friends could beat that for a cool story? Rest in peace dear Sir!
Shari Gibson
September 7, 2024
Call me please I´m not a textex
Janet Lund
September 3, 2024
My deep condolences to Sabrina and the Barnes Family. Your father instilled in you a wisdom beyond your youth when I met you at Weston Collegiate. You come from good people with kind souls. He lives on in your kind and respectful way
Janet Lund
Ken Smith
June 4, 2024
I have just read about the loss of a good man who passed about eight years back. Sometime in his early twenties he bought an Indian motorcycle from me. I bought it around age 13 as a basket case, built it up and put it up for sale around age 14. Our house shook as Johnny and some BDR members rode down our dead end street to see the bike. I think he was in his early twenties. He bought the bike and invited me to their clubhouse. I took him up on the invite.
There is a picture on line of Johnny on a black Indian and I wonder if its the one he bought from me.
I never saw him again but he left a lasting impression of a great guy.
How you can show support
SCOTT RANSOM
October 7, 2023
Jonny and his bunch always crossed the border to supported the Kingsmen mc buffalo chapter and had the pleasure of many great conversations with Jonny a very wise intelligent man who was a true old school biker who loved his brothers his family and the lifestyle to the fullest extent a man could ! If more men were like Jonny the worold wouldn't be in the state it is now ! R.I.P JONNY WE WILL SEE YA ON THE OTHER SIDE Scott KMC president Warren co pa 2006-2013 LKDK KFFK
Mike Donald William Owens (Quail) Pirie
February 18, 2023
Mike Donald William Owens (Quail) Pirie
February 18, 2023
Rita TANZI - Stevenson
August 15, 2022
Deepest Sympathy to Marie and the kids,
I hung out with BDR member in the 77 78 80s and I went on a few runs - Johnny was a good man, a true gentlemen- He treated me with respect as well as everyone else, He will be missed by all who knew him/ Fly High and soar the skies to heaven.
Paul Browne
November 2, 2020
I met Johnny in the summer of 2015. My buddy and I were riding up Warden in the country. As we came to a stop sign, this car pulls up beside us and a solid looking chap leans out the window asking for directions. I notice that there is a lot of BDR material in the vehicle. I said to the chap `do you know Johnny Sombrero, I have wanted to meet him all my life`. He looks at me puzzled and says `I am Johnny Sombrero`. I almost fell off of my bike. Finally I got to shake the hand of the GREAT ONE. A brief encounter in the middle of nowhere.....I told my friends the next day and they said `what was he like`. My reply was `a perfect gentleman``, who even in his 80`s looked tougher than nails. Thanks Johnny for the incredible memory and rest in peace.
August 14, 2018
Many great memories, gone but not forgotten.. You will be missed.
Dianne, Toronto, Ont.
Michzel Cassidy
April 19, 2018
I met John through the gun fraternity. He kept asking me to join them for lunch at the "Coffey Time" near Keel & Wilson.
I debated to myself if this was a good idea but, eventually, I went in.
John was a great host as well as his ever present sidekick, Peter.
I enjoyed my brush with fame and danger.
One day, I remarked to Johnny that, for an outlaw biker, he was a remarkably pleasant man.
John stated "I treat everyone like I'd like to be treated myself. Unless, they prove differently".
I miss those coffee days more than I czn say.
A really decent guy!
RIP to a true Canadian original.
March 18, 2018
Johnny was a good member of the Toronto Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 46.
I miss him dearly!
Sinceray McCabe
November 13, 2017
George(Sharkie) Pike
October 6, 2017
As a guest at the clubhouse on several occasions back in the 60's i'll never forget the kindness i was shown. Also will never forget the cement block lifting competitions.Old Bikers never die as long as there's another road to ride.
Johnny Martinez
September 4, 2017
Miss you pops!
John Kons
August 23, 2017
I joined the club in the early 60's until the mid 80's . Johnny was always well respected by everyone. A lot of great memories. Rest in peace my Supreme Commander.
May 7, 2017
This is Howie Brown, a full patch member in the early sixties. So sad to hear about the Bull-Neck. He was an amazing man, and worthy of much respect. Ride on, Johnny Howie Brown, founder of National Prison Justice Day , August 10th
Carl Matthews
February 26, 2017
Johnny, you were a living legend. I was born in Toronto, and I can still remember seeing you guys when I was a kid, jumpin' on those old Harley kick-starts. From that point, I always wanted to have a motorcycle and get to ride with you guys. Many years later, after moving to Bracebridge, Muskoka, my dream came true. The first time I met you at one of your meetings, I found out what you were really like a kind-hearted family-man, with a great love for your wife and family. I often think of when I first got my BDR T-shirts and sweat-shirt; you said, Wear it proud brother, and that I did. The BDR's are the best motorcycle club around, and may they ride forever. I am honored to have known you. I'll miss you my friend.
Carl Matthews,
Bracebridge, ON
Tom Murphy
December 21, 2016
It was a honor and a pleasure to have met you Johnny.. a true Canadian legend.. RIP Chief.. GBNF.
December 4, 2016
Great Man Greater Biker
The way I heard it was Johnny could lift a bath tub up two stories by himself.
Sorry for your loss
Best regards.
November 24, 2016
Hello, I am an old time biker who still riding, I have had several dealing with the BDR including selling a 63 Pan Head to Keith and Keven ( not sure which one bought it ) Any how I have a BDR sweat shirt and would like to get permission from the BDR to wear it. A few clubs no me and I would be honoured to wear it. If not I completely understand.
All the best in this tough time
Rapid
November 22, 2016
O MY GOD JOHNNY YOUR GONE YOU THE BAST R.I.P MY BORTHER
November 18, 2016
Sincere condolences to his family and brothers.A true Canadian icon. May the gates of Valhalla swing wide..
R: LW Pres BRETHREN MC CANADA
November 18, 2016
RIP ALWAYS REMEMBER
RED
kathy cook
November 17, 2016
Rest in peace
Liz de Bruin
November 14, 2016
Many fond memories of you when my uncle John Epema and his wife Sandy were in the club in the 50's and 60's RIP old friend love and Respect to Family from Angel
Donald (AKA-Grumpy) Moquin
November 14, 2016
My condolences to his family.
November 13, 2016
You were an icon. You were part of my growing up, everyone in west end Toronto and beyond knew who you were. Thank you for enriching many lives.
cindy armstrong
November 13, 2016
Condolence to family and friends of johnny
November 13, 2016
I only new Johnny Sombrero for eight years..fine mam. always quite respectful of others. well Mr LION YOU WERE OLD, BUT NOW YOU ARE YOUNG HEALTHY AND STRONG ONCE AGAIN,SET FREE TO RIDE ALL OVER gods GREEN EARTH IN THE SPIRIT REALMS, CATCHING UP ON THINGS WITH YOUR MOTHERS AND OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY in a better place......R.I.P John...every one misses and loves you"
Anyomus
November 13, 2016
Rest in peace, Chief. May you ride on down Heaven's highway. Be free,
November 13, 2016
I grew up at 1901 Sheppard Ave W. so I got to know Johnny Sombrero the biker and Harry Barnes the father. I have so many memories of this man and his wonderful family. I fell in love with the biker lifestyle through this man and still love the freedom of two wheels today. My sincere condolences to the Barnes family in your time of grief.
Keith Grantmyre
November 13, 2016
You'll be missed greatly Johnny
Lynn Jefferies
November 13, 2016
Always a Gentleman. May you rest in peace and ride free. "Diamonds Are Forever"
JUDY MCCLELLAND
November 13, 2016
R I P SAFE JOURNEY
willie
November 13, 2016
Thanks Johnny
Patricia Guest
November 13, 2016
I am proud to have known you, even though it was a short time. REST IN PEACE AND RIDE WITH THE WIND.
Billy (drainplug) Bennett
November 13, 2016
Only knew you but a short time yet your genuineness and kindness impressed me. Your last words to me where words of encouragement and direction. MLH&R GBNF. R.I.P. Johnny
Linda Guest
November 13, 2016
I didn't know you long, but being the daughter of Robert Guest and the niece of Doug Doyle,original members. I am very proud to have met you. R.I.P. and ride with the wind.
Patricia Guest
November 13, 2016
I am proud to have known you, even though it was a short it. REST IN PEACE AND RIDE WITH THE WIND.
Earl Larocque
November 13, 2016
He will forever be our "Supreme Commander"
Ride In Peace John..
Emily DeAngelis
November 13, 2016
John: you will be truly missed. Will always remember the 7 years I enjoyed with you and the boys. Will always cherish the good times and memories that were shared, will even miss the stubbornness in you. Rest in peace John. Your legend lives on!!!. Emily DeAngelis
Mick Manning
November 13, 2016
Now it's ALL open road. R.I.P. Johnny Sombrero
Mike Sheppard
November 13, 2016
Mid 60's...The rumble of Knuckles and Pans in Toronto's west end as you pulled into the neighbour's drive. I stood in awe...oil dripped on the driveway, side stands dug into the asphalt, women called their children in from play.
I gotta have some of this.
50 years later I'm still ridin. Thanks for the inspiration Johnny.
Long may you run my friend.
Mike Sheppard
Susan Law
November 13, 2016
Johnny you are well remembered to me from the old days at College and Ossingtom and St. Clair. In the day you, Harry the Greek, Susie, Little Pete were our protectors. You were a great gentle lion You are legendary. RIP buddy.
Susan Law
November 12, 2016
May you ride in peace..Dawgr Bad Example Riders
Joanne Moore
November 12, 2016
May you rest in peace. I will always remember how nice u where when I was a child in cabbage town. you will always be a legend to me!
November 12, 2016
Many great times and memories, thoughts to the family. John Kons b.c.
Gino Granzotto
November 12, 2016
To a great guy that helped me with the trade and the language in 1967/68 with a kind heart, so proud to have known him as Johnny Sombrero. May you rest in peace.
Gino and Tina Granzotto and Family
Jeannie
November 11, 2016
The year have past since we were together, and I had hoped that one day we would meet again. I can say you were a big part of my life, and I knew that I could alway count on you. Rest I peace my friend. You will always be in my heart
Donna McNally
November 11, 2016
you will be greatly missed.RIP
Steve Chapman
November 11, 2016
I wish you clear skies and a light wind blowing in you're face Johnny. RIP Sir. You are a legend...
Spike
November 10, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
graham hill
November 10, 2016
sorry to hear of a great loss to the biking community he will be missed by all that had the honor of meeting him rest in peace brother ..
Pete Vandereyken
November 10, 2016
I would like to offer my condolences , I am Pete Vandereyken -son of Audy (Adrian) Vandereyken,,, my father told me a few stories (before he past) of his encounter with Johnny- RIP-- in the end we are all people.
Linda Holzle
November 10, 2016
RIP my friend
Ken
November 10, 2016
Was a privilege to have worn the patch and known the man. I learned a lot from you Chief. Rest well.
Linda Martin(McGill)
November 9, 2016
Many years have passed since I was a young girl and Johnny made me feel safe at a very bad time in my life. You will be missed my friend by all who knew the real you.RIP Johnny
November 9, 2016
Sorry to hear the news,we had a lot of fun,rest in peace my friend...Rob McBain
Primo Steffan
November 9, 2016
a piece of Parkdales history gone forever but not forgotten.
I grew up around the corner from Pauls moto shop in the 1950s...nostalgia
Pat Pecord
November 9, 2016
As a kid in Downsview I always saw the BDR's ride by my house.
I always said to my friends that one day I would wear those colours but alas it never happened.
But I did meet Johnny a couple of times over the years.
He was a true legend!
RIP Johnny..
Steve Jones
November 9, 2016
Till we meet again RIP Johnny
Paul S.
November 9, 2016
It was a honor to have known a true legend and to be a member of the B.D.R.s
Showing 1 - 63 of 63 results