Thrasher Magazine

Backside air at Victoria Park in '78    photo: Kanights

Sept. 9, 1959 – Nov. 29, 2024

The skateboarding community and the Thrasher Magazine family sadly lost one of its veteran advocates recently. San Francisco’s Joe Fong was instrumental in influencing and pushing skateboarding in Northern California in the late ‘70s. He was usually the guy at the session shedding with the most style and skill—learning and doing his tricks just like they were shown in the magazines. And then all of a sudden, there he was in the magazine!

On the edge and ahead of the curve for the August '77 issue of Skateboard World

Before we were old enough to get behind the wheel or apply for valid driver’s licenses, Joe would regularly drive me, Tommy and Tony Guerrero, Aaron Lasnover, Michael Brown and other friends to skate the burgeoning skateparks in the San Jose area. Not only did he provide us access to these skateparks each weekend, but the 45-minute commute enabled our young and hungry minds to meet and skate with new friends and gain insight on backyard pools, ramps and skate spots throughout the Bay Area as well. And many of these friendships have endured for decades since. During that era, Joe introduced me to his friend and Skateboarder Magazine staff photographer Ted Terrebonne at Winchester Skatepark. Without a doubt, this meet up with Ted set me on a path that would forever change my life—skate photography.

Joe, BK and Tommy, friends forever

Joe was five years older than us and was so connected that it came as no surprise, but pure stoke that Joe was one of the first selected test pilots for the then up-and-coming Independent Truck Co. started by Fausto Vitello and Eric Swenson. We benefited with free Independent decals, t-shirts and first-hand looks at these trucks as they were ridden by our older brother Joe.

Joe sharing the stoke with his daughter Jemma and Lizzie

Years later, Joe continued to build upon his custom flooring business and he devoted his time to being a great father to his daughter Jemma and son JJ, often sharing their growth and achievements with us over the years. And as he slowed down in his skateboarding personally, he continued to support others coming up. He regularly attended skate events and scouted new talent. He ran a small summer skate camp in the East Bay for the next generations of skaters and provided product and support to those who needed it. Among those he supported, Joe first introduced Lizzie Armanto and Allysha Le to the crew at Thrasher Magazine to help them gain recognition as they pushed their progression. Years before its rise in participation, Joe remained a steadfast proponent for women in skateboarding. He genuinely loved to share good times and experiences and memories with others throughout his life. Joe was considerate and a vital connector and friend to so many of us on both local and global levels. He left a profound mark on skateboarding and I’m forever grateful to have had his close friendship in my life. Godspeed, Joe!
––Bryce Kanights


Left: Reppin' the mag on a frontside grind at Pacifica
Center: Good times with Shrewgy
Right: True OGs, Salba and Joe

While we still had him here, Joe paid a visit to the Plant. Luckily, Schmitty got him in the booth for us to hear his voice for all time