Tuff Stuff Leather Owner Robert DeJardine Passes Away

In 1986, he opened Tuff Stuff Leather along with his partner, Dale McKisick who passed away in 1994. The store offered custom leather wear, repairs, and alterations. Besides outfitting the leather community, he created stage costumes for heavy metal bands. Tuff Stuff closed on March 8, 2012.

Bob was a founding member of Arizona Power Exchange, Phoenix Firebirds, Copperstate Leatherman, and the Universal Brotherhood of Leatherlords. He was a sponsor of the Mr Arizona Leather contests in the 1980’s and produced the Southwest Drummer and Drummerboy and then LeatherSIR and Leatherboy contests from 1994 through 2005.

He was instrumental in the formation of Volunteers for Direct Aid, which helped persons with HIV/AIDS before the Ryan White act. The organization raised funds through local bars.

In 2003 Bob received the Pantheon Business Person of the Year and Rocky Mountain Regional awards. He was inducted into the Echo Magazine Hall of Fame in 2009.

On February 11, 2012 Horns and Halos Fetish Revolution Ball recognized Bob for his contributions to the Arizona fetish community.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Sunday, April 15, 2012, 3pm, at Friends Again, 1028 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85050