Thom Dombkowski, 1950 - 2006

Thom Dombkowski began his leather journey in 1970 when he first stepped into the legendary Gold Coast at 501 North Clark Street. He was mentored by a member of the Old Guard, but he's long been among those on leather's progressive edge. Thom's participation with leather contests began 25 years ago when he was a contestant for the Mr. Gold Coast title. He lost the contest, but gained the friendship of the bar's manager and staff as a consolation prize, and dated the winner, assisting him in his bid to become International Mr. Leather 1980.

Thom had been involved with IML in unofficial and official capacities since then. This includes coaching IML1984 Ron Moore and IML1987 Thomas Karasch. He held the roles of IML's charity liaison, press liaison, speech writer, tallymaster, and judges' coordinator. Most famously, Thom served a 10-year term as IML's Chief Judge between 1992-2001.

Thom judged a host of other leather contests, including International Ms. Leather, International Mr. Drummer, International Mr. Deaf Leather, American Brotherhood, Mr. Leatherman Toronto, Mr. Chicago Leather, Mr. San Francisco Leather, Mr. Midwest Leather, Mr. Ebony Leather, Mr. Maryland Leather, Mr. Michigan Leather, Oklahoma Mr. Leather, Mr. Louisiana Leather, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather, Mr. Padlock Leather, Mr. Long Beach Leather, Mr. North Coast Leather, Mr. Philadelphia Leather, Mr. Boston Leather and CellBlock Leatherman.

After his retirement as IML Chief Judge, Thom used his experience and talents to mentor individual titleholders As a result, he's enjoyed the expansion of his chosen leather family. It included an eclectic group of Chicagoans, four Canadian sons and the two younger Brothers that Thom always wanted when he was growing up in Rochester, New York.

A Chicago resident since 1974, Thom's professional career encompassed public and private service. His government positions were with the Internal Revenue Service, where he learned to take money from people involuntarily; and the Chicago Department of Public Health, where he helped to give away over $150 million to community-based AIDS service organizations. In between, he co-founded Chicago House (residence and supportive services for PWAs) and served as its Executive Director. He was also the staff writer for Howard Brown Memorial Clinic.

While he could, Thom seized every opportunity to travel and he did so, visiting all 7 continents, 37 countries, and all 50 states.

Thom was noted for wearing his leather flight suit, which has shown up at several events since his passing. It is shown (above right) at the Mr. Chicago Leather Contest in 2007. 

---

---