Marshall, I just discovered you are not physically here when I reached for the phone to contact you only to discover this website ...but I just heard you loud and clear as your voice just spoke thru my 7 year old son ... exclaiming "WhaT!? What?!" while riding a virtual wave on his pad. I heard you. I think of you. I remember you. Your spirit uplifted us all and brightened our lives with laughter and adventure! Thank you for the waves and the wisdom and for pushing us while uplifting us!  May you be forever blessed! Merry Christmas time my friend... Posted the vid

Missing Kozo on his birthday!! Continue to be inspired by the words and videos he left behind, and the memories of his laugh, our conversations and teaching together joyfully. Sending much love to Beryl, Jett, Fox, and all Kozo's family and loved ones.

Remembering you today dear friend Kozo and doing an act of kindness in your name. Your light will shine on in the world in the love you showed for others. Peace.

Still miss you a lot, dear friend. 

I met Marshall at UCSB in 1987, when there was no one left to pair up at the Anatomy lab! Everyone knew each other except a few of us which the professor asked us to get a lab partner and get to work. So Marshall & I had to name, label and dissect the rabbit that was given to us. We had to finish certain sections before deadlines prior to each midterm & final exam. I was extremely nervous to pair up with him, but he told me that the dissection should be easy, and he would help as much as possible, but he has to go surfing almost everyday, if he could. He told me about the name he came up with for the rabbit and it was GTI. With English being my second language, Marshall was so considerate and thoughtful in helping me. He was smart, kind, and always smiling. By end of the Quarter, our rabbit was the best dissected. He got along with everyone, the whole class knew Marshall for his great energy, kindness, and passion for surfing. My deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. I am very sorry to see him fly and leave us so soon. We were talking to my siblings at Thanksgiving dinner 2021, asking each other if we remember any lab partners from our university days, and I only could remember Marshall. May his soul Rest In Peace & Love, his light shine brightly through his loved ones.

Still reeling from the loss of my “go to guy”. 
I only found out when I couldn’t reach him and checked out his fb page. I know he is in a much happier, peaceful place but my heart still hurts. 
I first met (Marshal) Kozo and Beryl and Jett and Fox when I worked at Imahara’s. (I remember thinking - what great names for your boys). They were always a bright spot in my day. 
I was so blown away when he transitioned from English teacher to Healer/counselor, but it was so smooth and a natural fit, even when he shared all the personal challenges he was facing. 
He never hesitated whenever I asked if he could counsel a friend going through cancer treatments. I tried to reach him one last time with the same request. 
What comes to mind whenever I think about Kozo is “Fearless”. He was one of the most courageous people i’ve known. He’d jump headfirst into anything with no hesitation and always embraced whatever came his way, and with that great smile. His trust and confidence in the Universe was unshakable. 
Beryl, Jett and Fox, my heart goes out to you. 
I know Kozo’s out there surfing the greatest wave. 

Happy Birthday Kozo - I remember your birthday on Sunday and instantly sought the opportunity to do an act of kindness. I created a bouquet of Roses from my garden for Kevin (AT&T) who was repairing the internet on Sunday. This is what Kozo would have done, I thought, give something to make people smile :-) Kevin was so happy to get the flowers that he gave me his personal number "to call" anytime I need help. And many other Service friends are doing the same- So we're creating a 21Day Kindness Challenge in your Honor Kozito...Happy Birthday https://pod.servicespace.org/apply/kozo

Dear Kozo,
I met you on several occasions. Most memorable was the last SS retreat I attended. I enjoyed your sweet spirit and your sense of mischief. I wish I could have gotten to know you better. But I trust that you are surfing with the angels on the other side, free, and enlightened in service in your new form. Much love to your loved ones - Bonnie 

My dear brother Kozo. Thank you for being a part of my life. Your radiant, loving presence was always something I looked forward to and felt elevated by. And more than anything, I remember the tireless care you gave to Mahendra uncle when your own cancer was coming back. The planet and all its beings are better for having been graced by your love and life. I miss you and will always remember you with great fondness and love. -Anand

“They’re Here!” – I worked with Marshall at De Anza College. We belonged to the same cohort of new full-time instructors. That year, there were several Asian American faculty hires in the Language Arts Division and I remember feeling a sense of camaraderie, pride and fortune to be joining this community of bright, eager, socially justice-minded peers who grew to be such endearing friends. Like most folks, I was struck by Marshall’s charm and enigmatic smile upon meeting him for the first time. I had the privilege of working with Marshall as advisors to the student organization, Asian Pacific American Students for Leadership (APASL) and serving on the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month committee. It was largely because of Marshall and his passion for the AA and PI communities that inspired our students and staff to fully acknowledge that our contributions and presence deserved more – that our community is worthy of being “seen” “heard” and “understood” and given voice beyond a dedicated one-month “celebration.” For this purpose, we advised and assisted students in editing and publishing two books, “They’re Here!” and “Lost and Found” – an anthology of student poems, short essays, art and photography.

Our circle of friends at De Anza, those of us who are around the same age, have grown together – experiencing the varied milestones of adulthood: tenure, partnerships/marriages, and kids. It was seeing Marshall as a dedicated father that truly concretized my respect for him. I have fond memories of seeing the proud papa, jaunting all over campus with baby Jett in tow in the Baby Bjorn! Just after my own son’s birth, and when uncles Marshall and Jim (Nguyen) came to visit, I recall Marshall beelining for my newborn, sweeping him into his experienced, baby-holding arms, and feeling so grateful and happy, not just for the momentary break that a newbie mom needed, but for knowing my baby and I had such “good people” in our lives.

I was lucky enough to see Marshall one last time in 2018, at our friends’ Rowena’s and Noelle’s 50th birthday party. His warmth and generous attention made me feel as if we had always remained good friends. To be honest, we didn’t actively stay in touch post De Anza, but Marshall was the type of person for whom a brief encounter with his grand and generous spirit was so impactful, which explains the big hole in my heart since his passing. Yet, simultaneously, it is that same impact that has emanated such an outpouring of love from his family, friends and community – this is and always will be, Marshall.

Thank you, my friend, for always being “here.”

Marshall had the cubicle across from me in grad school and ended up hearing about my every worry, every heartbreak in graduate school. It was like having a big brother (who knew everyone in Santa Barbara) and always made you feel that he wanted to hear what you had to say.. He was such a mixture of childlike wonder and wise beyond his years. You never knew how he would respond. I am so glad that he has been able to give spiritual comfort to so many.

Aloha dearest Kozo,
What a precious soul you are! I have so enjoyed your company and your wonderful vision about how the world works. Always open and giving from your heart to all those around you. Even from the other side we are bathing in your light! You touch us and I say thank you dear friend for your generosity and kindness and bravery. You are a blessing for the world.

I initially met Kozo at Wednesday Awakin circles and fondly remember late nights leaning against the wall next to the kitchen after cleanup, talking and laughing and sharing stories and learnings. The pandemic brought the blessing of getting to see even more of him! (albeit in virtual space)... It has been such a blessing to witness his graceful surrender into this transition. The memory that keeps coming up is from a conversation years ago about death, where he said to me, "Sara, after I go, people are going to be saying, oh I miss him, I'm so sad, etc. But I'm going to be right there. You've got to tell them! Say, hey guys, he's right here! He's right here!" I still clearly hear his words in his wonderful voice, and they bring me much comfort. Like other beloveds who have gone before, his presence continues to feel very present, and I feel him laughing with us, comforting us as we cry. May we all find peace on this journey. 

Dear Family and Friends of Kozo, and you too Kozo, as I believe you still "hear" us with your heart which lives on and on in the great bowl of light. I remember you from the Service Space retreat in 2017. We felt like kindred spirits from the first time I met you there. Your deep, deep love for your family, stories of the joys of raising your boys, and your longing for connection to Divine Love in all things consumed our intermittent conversations over that great weekend. You told me about the quest to connect with your Hawaiian ancestry and culture, and surprisingly, I had brought a favorite book to read while on the retreat titled The Bowl of Light--a mystic tale of Hawaiian elders and healing. You were aware of the book but didn't have it yourself. I knew instantly that I must give the book to you. I am guessing that my book is sitting on your shelf somewhere right now. I hope your boys find it and read that book too, as you later sent me an email to tell me how much the book was speaking to you and guiding your journey into the great bowl of light that holds all of us. May your kind spirit as a wisdom keeper--a kahuna--always be with us Kozo.
Aloha my friend. With love, Ginny

Marshall- Your joyful energy, bright smile and loving heart will be deeply missed at all our family gatherings. It's still hard to believe that you won't be physically with us but I know you are here with us in spirit. I'm so grateful for the time we have had with you - our family holidays/events, living with you in Cupertino together and our fun camping trips. These are all moments that I will always treasure. Your zest to live life it's fullest will continue to inspire me. Until I see you again Marshall.

Dear Kozo and beloved families and friends,

I met Kozo at the Wednesday Awakin Circle in Santa Clara. His big and heartwarming smile always made me feel home and included in a community I was new to. When I first began to volunteer as a scribe for the Awakin Call, I was uncertain if I was able to do it. It was Kozo whose encouragement motivated and inspired me. He even trusted me to be the first time moderator for Giang Dang, an inspiring Vietnamese social (and spiritual) activist, and then asked me to moderate for Andrea Casalinho, a Portuguese permaculturist. Both times were transformative growing moments for me. I could never forget the joy and richness of those two calls and the genuine connections that were built. And then the money + Transformation retreat that Kozo co-hosted, and his sharing at the Awakin Circle at Banyan Grove... So many significant small moments that have ingrained in my memory and planted wholesome seeds in me that will continue to grow.

In memory of him, Kozo's big heart inspired me to fold four origami cranes that represent the four boundless hearts: the heart of loving-kindness, the heart of compassion, the heart of joy, and the heart of peace.

With Love and Respect,
Xiao

Each of Kozo, Fox and Jett resonate within me as blessings, mostly from our beautiful two-day overnight sailing trip from Ventura to Santa Cruz Island. Kozo loves and knows this planet and especially the ocean, just like he loves his boys. The strongest blessings are the hardest to capture in words, but emanate from Kozo’s sharing of his presence, energy, wisdom, sorrows and joys. 

Easier to describe is my memory of when the four of us gave love to my father, who I lost a year earlier. Together we took the first dip into my father’s ashes sprinkling them in ceremony into the ocean. Another highlight was Kozo’s joy as Jett, Fox and I paddled in and around Bird Island, nosing in and out of sea caves and floated silently, watching sea lions, on a glassy interface of air and water. 

If I’m not off the grid in nature during his memorial, I will be there. Kozo is and will forever be a lion in the sea that we all share. 

Marshall Kozo (we knew him only as Kozo) worked with us on the Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies (BCCT) team for the last 18 months or so, serving as a research associate since mid 2019. As a cancer survivor who had taken a deep dive on complementary therapies and eventually took an integrative approach, he brought an insider's perspective to what it means to live with cancer and to face treatment choices and dilemmas. He brought great insights, valuable skills and talents, unbounded enthusiasm for our work and unlimited love for all. But he was much more than a co-worker. He was a friend to all of us. He graced us by sharing his final journey with us right up until his death. We miss him terribly.

Dearest Kozo, and to all the ones he loves,

I met Kozo only through his words. I read his blog posts and listened to the Awakin Talks where he was either a host or a moderator. Those experiences always brought me to a deeper place in myself. I remembered I was in a very dark period of my life, and I was listening to the call between Kozo and Dr. Manulani. And their words lit up in front of my eyes a sparkling ocean full of sunshine and blue expanses, full of life. Their words was a breath of relief I haven't taken in a long time.

I continued to read his articles and was warmed by his words, the intensity of his life, the love he gives to his children. I was fortunate to be present on a few call with Kozo last year, and more than once his sharing and his spirit brought me to tears. It came as a shock, like a pail of mud suddenly poured over me, to hear that his smile is no longer physically present in the world.

I'm very glad that I've known of him, albeit very briefly. Halfway across the globe, Kozo was my inspiration to live honorably, to give and receive fearlessly. I thank you and everyone here who have been a part of his life. I'm so fortunate to have been touched by his sharing. May his love live on.

In gratitude,

My heart goes out to Kozo’s loved ones. I met Kozo at the Service Space retreat in September, 2019. He instantly made me feel welcome. His smile, his gentleness, and his joy in his sons and in living will stay with me for always. He taught me the expression “Changing address” when we spoke of loved ones who have passed on, in particular my husband. I am grateful for that expression and for Kozo’s perception that our loved ones who have passed on are still with us, they have simply changed their address. I trust that Kozo will continue to shine his light and love from his new address. What a gift he is!!! With Love, Jane

Dear Kozo and Family:

I will keep in my heart his lovely smile, and the fun/loving stories he always shared of his children (Jett & Fox). Becoming a father is one of his greatest joys; however, allowing to be mentored by Jett & Fox (let go of the Ego) was inspiring to see, and hear him shared at Awakin Circles, Awakin Calls, and Service Space workshops/gatherings. We often found elbowing each other to wash dishes at Awakin Santa Clara while laughing at the joys in life. I felt his genuine love when he would ask "Lizita How are YOU (emphasis in the YOU and eye-contact a must)- eager to listen with an open heart....I am blessed with a loving family & life thus, I shared and quickly we would be talking about all the blessings in our lives...including the "water in the faucet"...he reminded me of the important things I often overlooked to be grateful for. I love you Hermanito Kozo.... May you ALL find comfort in all the loving memories of Marshall Kozo.

Each day as I begin my work on the project Kozo and I worked on together, I light 3 candles for my beloved colleague and kindred spirit. Each one is placed in a small candle holder in the shape of a deer.  I have them facing a picture of Kozo sitting back on the ground, garden gloves donning his hands and a classic Kozo smile on his face.  Deer is animal medicine for "gentle adventures".  I picture Kozo's Spirit now, enthusiastically immersed in gentle adventures--well-deserved gifts for a human life of forgiving and loving.   Love to you, Kozo, wherever you are!  Laura

It was a cold winter morning when Marshall, me and my old roommate drove to Santa Clara river mouth. It was a big day and the waves in Ventura are thick. It was a bit big for my liking, but Marshall was one with the waves, until his last ride... a double overhead barrel that pummeled him and he broke his thumb on his surfboard. We got back to Isla Vista and to the student health center. Just one day of many that we spent in the water. He was a great guy and I was fortunate to have known him.

I went to grad school with Marshall way back in the day.  He was a beautiful, smart, and joyous man. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I’m grateful to have known him.

How do you distill down memories from more than four decades of knowing someone? You can't really, but when I think of Marshall I'll remember his big smile and mischievous laugh.

I always admired how open and welcoming Marshall could be to others and how quickly he counted them as friends. Over all those years I got to surf with Marshall up and down the California coast, in Mexico, in France, Spain, and the islands. Inevitably we'd paddle out at some spot and I'd hear "Hey, Marshall!" And Marshall would paddle over and talk with some friend of his. That's a lot of friends.

I remember Marshall for his generosity, his joy, his intelligence, and his unbelievable resilience. 

Marshall had an enormous power of will. It allowed him — a kid from Fremont — to shape his own unique life that belied where he was from. This is a guy who'd tested out of college calculus, who breezed through organic chemistry. Someone you could easily see becoming a doctor or engineer. But that wasn't what he wanted. Instead this kid who went to Mission San Jose High School, became a great surfer, a filmmaker, and created a life around the ocean. Then he pivoted to become an English Phd candidate, a writer and teacher. And most important of all, a father.

Apart from my siblings and my parents, I have not been close to someone longer than I was to Marshall. I feel so fortunate to have met first John and then Marshall and become friends. We got to see so much together. We both had our good times and bad times. We got to see each other build our separate lives, careers and families.

I was fortunate enough to visit with Marshall soon before the end. He told me he was ready, but he wanted to tell me something. I touched his arm, and he said: "Thank you brother for always standing by me." That was Marshall being generous again.

There is this weird thing about surfing and time. A ride might last five seconds, or ten or 15, tops, and yet it feels much longer than that. Stringing together all those moments over years of surfing and they still might only add up to a few hours. For some a few minutes really. And yet those moments have an outsized place in your memory.

I wish Marshall was still with us. I wish I got to paddle out and catch a few more waves with him. I wish he got more time with Jett and Fox. But I also know that Marshall had an outsized impact on a lot of people. His sons will not forget him. I won't. Maybe in that way he will live on in those who remember him.

I recently got to surf again after some time out of the water. It was early in the morning and cold. The waves were good but it was very crowded. It took me awhile to catch one, but I did and surfed it through. I'm old, so I didn't do anything special, but it felt good. When I cut out of the wave, my very first thought was of Marshall, and I smiled.

Thank you brother.

Marshall Kozo: We knew of each other for a long time since our UCSB English grad school days, but back then I was not "cool enough" to hang with you, LOL. It wasn't until we both became faculty colleagues at De Anza that our friendship really blossomed. I will never forget what a joy it was to co-teach with you and Jim and Kristin in the De Anza IMPACT AAPI program and be inspired by seeing the "light" turn on in our students' eyes. I am still friends with a few of our special students such as Camille and Matt and Van. Remember also co-advising Van on her creation and publication of the AAPI De Anza student journal?? We all miss you. I am so sad thinking about how Jett and Fox will not be able to grow up with you here on Earth with them into their adulthood, but I hope that they will deeply know through reading these tributes that you left an indelible mark in this world as an inspiring teacher and a vivacious friend to many.  Rest in peace and power, my friend.

Hello,

This is a little message for the loved ones of Kozo, and to Kozo. I got fortunate to meet Kozo at the awakin circle in the Meta house in Santa Clara. Kozo was very dear to all of us. His smile, his kindness, his love were so contagious and his actions so inspiring. It was always such a joy to simply be around him. As I was kind of new to the awakin circle, one day he said aloud “Philiiiiiiiiiiiiippe!” and gave me a great smile and hug”. I was a bit shy and this greeting by Kozo made me feel like I was OK here, I was welcome, and at home. It really mattered.
His stories and shares were always so inspiring. Kozo once shared that when he felt that somebody was being a bit offensive, or angry, or frustrated, which could trigger anything in him, instead he was trying to reply back to the person saying “How can I help you?” This stayed with me… I will try to implement this in honor of Kozo.
Harshida once told that in her mind, Kozo is still standing in her living room, cleaning the dishes as he kindly used to do each time he would join an awakin circle. To me, Kozo is still sitting at the kitchen counter on a high chair in the Meta house a bit late in the evening, enjoying a great home made meal by Harshida once he finished cleaning the dishes. He is chatting quietly nearby Audrey and Guri and other regular awakin guests, with a smile. I would come and give a hug to say bye before driving back home to the Sunset. And he would always give me a hugh and smile. I feel He is still there.
Kozo was a very special human, I feel very grateful that I got to meet Kozo. Sending much love to Jett and Fox, Beryl and his family and friends.