POPULAR Northam identity Steve Chan is retiring after 37 years of repairing shoes.
He has decided to close Steve's Shoe Repairs on July 23.
It has been a long road for Mr Chan, and one he has enjoyed.
In another life, he had a stint in the British Merchant Navy for 18 years.
Mr Chan was navigating ships as big as 22,000 tonne and being responsible for their equipment and safety.
"When I first came to Australia, I was in Perth, and I tried to get a job," he said.
"Of course, at that time, it was quite difficult to get a job because I'm not an Australian.
"So I said to myself, ’I can't leave my wife working', so eventually I found a job at Mr Minute.
"I did an apprenticeship doing keys, shoes and engraving, but they didn't teach me locks."
Mr Chan said he eventually started his own shop and moved to Northam, a town he grew to love.
When he first arrived in town, he travelled from Perth to Northam and back again every day.
However, upon meeting more people, he decided to stay.
"I like the people and the environment here in Northam, it's good for kids,” he said.
"I have two kids and they grew up here – one is teaching at St Joseph’s School, and the other in the hospital laundry."
His wife Kaye was born in Northam.
Mr Chan spoke about his time in the shoe repair industry in Northam.
"First of all, I like to meet people and I love a challenge," he said.
"The people that I know are always terrific; a lot of people just come in to have a talk, which really makes you feel good to be here."
Mr Chan said when he first came to town there were only two Asians, Dr Lim and himself.
“Gradually you can see there's a lot more Asians coming here to stay, which is good,” he said.
An average day in his shop would include repairing shoes, cutting keys and engraving.
"In between time, I've met a lot of people here who are very friendly, and I joined the Lions Club, and I've been with them for about 28 years now.”
The Steve's Shoe Repairs building has been sold by Perdaman Industries, the owners of the Northam Boulevard.
Mr Chan said he didn't want to move inside the Boulevard, instead preferring to do things his way with flexible hours.
So he has decided to retire.
"This is a country style where I do what I want to do, and the people know me by now," he said.
"For example, last year I shut the shop for nine weeks, I always tell people I'm going away, and they say 'it doesn't matter, I'll wait for you to come back.'
In his spare time, Mr Chan will continue travelling to Singapore and around Australia.
