Dear All,
My name is Margaret Koza Chapman. I am Thad's son's (Alex - age 26) mother. We don't really know how many people are aware of the news, but we wanted to pass it along to as many people as possible.
We regret to inform you that Thad died at the Newport Hospital on Wednesday, December 1st of a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. There was no treatment that would have helped.
If you wish to verify this, please go to the ASTA website where they have a beautiful tribute dedicated to him. There will be a memorial service on January 15, 2011 at the Channing Memorial Church on Pelham Street in Newport, followed by a reception at the Newport Art Association on Bellevue Avenue. He will missed by so many.
Thank you,
Margaret Chapman
Alex Koza
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From the ASTA website: http://www.sailtraining.org/
Fair Winds, Thad
Renowned tall ships photographer, Thad Koza, ASTA’s official photographer and our friend, colleague, and shipmate of many years died Wednesday afternoon at Newport Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.
Koza was born on December 28, 1940. He held a BA in English Honors from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (1963) and a MA in English from Northwestern University (1965.) Making his home in Newport, Koza became well-known internationally as a photographer of tall ships and publisher of popular calendars and books featuring tall ship photographs. Koza traveled the world lecturing on his experiences. He also published a number of books, including Tall Ships: The International Guide. His photographs were frequently featured in ASTA publications and his photograph of the USCGC EAGLE graces the cover of the most recent edition of Sail Tall Ships! ASTA's Directory of Sail Training and Adventure at Sea. Koza kept a blog at Thad’s Daily Log and many of his photographs can be viewed on his website Tall Ships International. He is survived by his son, Alexandre Thaddeus Koza, of Portsmouth, RI.
A memorial service will be held January 15, 2011 at 1500 at Channing Memorial Church in Newport, RI. A reception celebrating Thad's life will follow at the Newport Art Museum and Association.
Donations in Thad's honor and memory can be made to The Seaman's Church Institute, Newport, RI or to the American Sail Training Association.
http://www.tallshipsinternational.net/
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Dear Koza Family
I have admired Thad's images for years. His priceless contributions to the maritime community will be treasured for years to come. He raised the bar and inspired us all. He will be truly missed.
Fair Winds,
Clyde Nordan
Norfolk, Virginia
