Tattoo artist's 'shock' death

Steve Johnson. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand's tattoo industry is in shock after one of its top artists died after having a stroke.

Steve Johnson, of City Ink in Christchurch, died on Friday from an "out of the blue" stroke.

Johnson, 63, was famous for his award-winning full "body suit" which Cantabrian Don McClintock wore proudly.

McClintock, who had known Johnson for 11 years, was with him the day he died.

"He had a massive stroke. He was brain-dead straight away, and they pulled the plug on him about two in the afternoon," McClintock said. "It was right out of the blue, we've lost a great man and great tattoo artist."

McClintock said Johnson's death was also the death of "ink" on his body. "He's done all my work, I have the full suit. No one else will touch me now."

Johnson's partner Michelle Ross said he was New Zealand's most-awarded artist, and had won more than 1000 awards over 40 years.

Hundreds of tributes were posted on Johnson's Facebook page, including one from his children Kelly and Jamee.

"Today was the hardest day we have ever had to face. Our hearts ache and u take our breath away every time we think of you. You were a special dad and grandad and I have very fond memories that I will cherish forever."

Southern Ink Tattoo artist Kerry Parkin wrote: "Truely the father of Christchurch Tattooing." McClintock said Johnson had rubbed shoulders with some of the world's most-respected artists.

"He'd talk about how Cher would go into one of the shops he worked in in the States," McClintock said.