Male Hide Leather was a joint partnership (Frank and Bob) which had it's roots in the basement of The Gold Coast (One of the finest Chicago Leather bars ever). Male Hide has been on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago for many years now. A small store, but with fine tailors and craftsmen. Frank was the driving force and creator of much of the non-clothing leather that was produced at Male Hide....harnesses, gags, collars, restraints...

My partner and i had been secretly visiting Frank in the hospital, respecting Frank and Bob's unspoken wish that his illness remain somewhat private. On our last visit, we brought each of them a stuffed bear. i can clearly see Bob sitting on a chair close to Frank's bed.... Frank propped up in bed, drifting in and out of sleep, breathing from the oxygen mask across his face, IV tubes taped to his arms... and Bob noticing how much Frank liked the one bear, put the other on the bed too. Frank grabbed one paw of each bear, and looked at them so intently... so happily... and he drifted back to sleep.

Frank will be greatly missed by the Chicago Leather community. I will miss him more than words can possibly express. Rest soundly now Frank... No more Nightmares, no more joint pain, just peace and tranquility... (and I promise to wear the harness you made!)