Steve “Patch” Johnson, an ex-merchant marine, was literally a man on a mission when he met Kayla Brady. He came to Salem on assignment from his boss, Victor Kiriakis. Once best friends with Bo Brady, the two parted ways after Bo stabbed Steve in the eye during a violent fight. Now, “Patch” often butted heads with the Bradys... but not with the boys’ attractive sister, Kayla.

Patch & Kayla soon teamed up for adventure, which seems to be a tradition among Salem’s supercouples! Early in their relationship, Patch’s troubling memory flashes threatened to tear them apart; however, Kayla remained determined despite Patch’s emotional distance.

In 1988, Patch encouraged Kayla to spend time with his brother, Jack. Big mistake! Kayla, feeling rejected by Patch, ultimately accepted Jack’s proposal and the two were quickly married. Patch kidnapped Kayla to protect her (he said) from a plot to poison her. The two continued to secretly meet even after Kayla’s return. Once Jack learned that his wife and his brother were in cahoots, he raped Kayla and had Kiriakis’s men beat up Patch. Ultimately, Patch confronted Jack on a Salem rooftop, where he plunged over the side and was almost killed.

Once Kayla & Jack’s divorce was final, Patch & Kayla were free to marry. However, Kayla was viciously attacked by the Riverfront Knifer (Harper Devereaux) and almost killed in a fiery explosion in her home. She was left unable to hear or speak and with partial memory loss. When surgery helped repair her hearing, Patch used the opportunity to propose. Kayla said yes, but it wasn’t until her wedding day that she was able to speak her first words. The couple later discovered that Patch’s ex-wife Marina was alive - which nullified their 1988 marriage. Kayla gave birth to their daughter, Stefanie, while in jail for Marina’s murder. (She was framed!) The couple renewed their vows in 1990 after Kayla was exonerated.

Many more adventures followed, until Patch got involved in a risky case and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. An explosion meant for Bo left Patch in a coma. He emerged briefly, only to die in Kayla’s arms.