Tributes for Toowoomba tattooing legend John Poole after business owner passes away at 62

Tattooist John Poole’s death has evoked stream of tributes from co-workers, friends and customers who described him as a talented artist with a big heart.

John Poole, the owner of Top of the Range who died suddenly, has been remembered by staff and customers as a kind man.

John Poole is being remembered as a giant of the tattoo industry, a respected businessman and a caring husband, father and friend.

Co-workers and customers have paid tribute to the longtime owner of Top of the Range Tattoo Studio after he died suddenly on Wednesday.

He was 62.

Mr Poole, who had more than 40 years of experience in tattooing, opened his studio on Station Street in 1989 before moving it to Ruthven Street a decade later.

Studio manager Ben Smith said thousands of current and former Toowoomba residents would have marks made by Mr Poole.

Co-workers (from left) Scotty Hornery, Ben Smith and Natasha Jade were shocked by the death of their boss and friend, John Poole.

“You’d be lucky to have 15 tattooists in the country at this point who would have been tattooing as long as he had been,” he said.

“One thing we’ve always prided ourselves on is only having the best staff to do the best work.

“The standard was always set very highly for the people who worked here (by him).”

Tattooist Scotty Hornery, who got his first design done by Mr Poole nearly 20 years ago, said his former boss set high standards for himself and his staff.

“He was one of those old-school guys who told it like it was,” he said.

“He set the bar early for tattoo shops locally.”

Top of the Range Tattoo Studio owner John Poole in 2014. Photo Kevin Farmer

Along with being a great boss and mentor, Mr Smith said Mr Poole was a funny man who enjoyed drag racing and camping.

“He was a bit of a ratbag, got into a fair bit of mischief,” he said affectionately.

“But he loved camping and we’d go to the drags together (because) John had a drag car.

“It’s a like a big family — we spend more time with each other than we do our own families.”

News of Mr Poole’s death led to a stream of tributes from friends and customers who described him as a talented tattoo artist with a big heart.

“You will always be number one in the business as far as I’m concerned, still love all the work you done for me over the years,” Naomi Busiko wrote.

“One of the most kind, genuine men I ever had the pleasure to meet,” Ayns Ley added.

Mr Poole is survived by his wife Kerryn, son Cameron and two grandchildren.