It has been some time since the skateboarding world lost Marc Johnson, but for many people who knew him personally, processing that loss has taken longer than expected.
READ MORE: Skate Legend Marc Johnson Passes Away at 49 Following Decades of Influence on Skateboarding
While many skaters and brands shared tributes soon after the news of his passing, Jerry Hsu waited before putting his thoughts into words.
Hsu recently shared a heartfelt message about the person who had one of the biggest influences on his life, both on and off the skateboard.
He explained that he first met Marc when he was just about to turn 15, while Marc was 19.
Even at that age, Hsu said Marc carried himself with the wisdom and experience of someone much older.
Although Marc never officially took on the role of a mentor, Hsu said he naturally learned from him almost every day.
From creativity and discipline to making smart decisions, Marc helped shape the way he looked at life.
He also taught him that talent alone is never enough if you fail to make the right choices.
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Hsu described Marc as the biggest creative influence he has ever had. He admired the way Marc balanced being thoughtful and focused while never losing his playful side.
Looking back, Hsu admitted that he wanted to be just like Marc. Even though he never became him, he believes trying to follow that example helped him become the person he is today.
He also reflected on Marc's impact on skateboarding, saying there is little left to say that has not already been said. To Hsu, Marc gave everything he had to skateboarding while also dealing with personal struggles that many people may not have fully understood.
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More than a month after Marc's passing, Hsu said the loss still feels difficult to accept.
Seeing so many people share their love and appreciation for Marc touched him deeply, but he also expressed sadness that Marc may never have known just how much he meant to so many people.
Hsu ended his tribute by saying that skateboarding has given him many things throughout his life, but one of the greatest was his friendship with Marc Johnson.
He closed his message with a few simple words that said everything.
"I love you, MJ."
Hsu Posted:
"I met Marc right before I turned 15 and he was 19. It’s hard to believe he was ever that young…it always seemed like he was born with the memory of an entire life. I don’t think he ever intended to become my mentor, but very quickly I learned things from him I would implement in my life almost everyday.
Marc was the largest creative force in my life. He showed me taste, diligence, the virtues of obsession… and that talent means nothing if you don’t make the right choices. His honesty and borderline contempt for being gifted gave me tremendous perspective. He showed me what it means to be a pro skater and an artist, how to be thoughtful and determined but also endlessly playful. I wanted to be him so much. Of course I never could but as a result I became myself. Marc changed me permanently and I couldn’t be more grateful.
What he did for skateboarding is immeasurable… and I hardly need to get into it. His greatest achievements were matched only by his deepest vulnerabilities… his turmoil was almost mythological. He really gave us everything.
It’s been over a month and it’s still overwhelming to realize Marc is gone. The outpouring of love for him recently touched me very deeply, and it truly pains me to think he left this world not knowing how much he meant to all of us.
Skateboarding has given me so much in my life— but one of its greatest gifts was my friendship with Marc Johnson.
I love you, MJ."