It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Kosuke Ishii, beloved husband, son, teacher, friend, and mentor. Kos passed away at 8:05 pm, March 2, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Gatos, CA. He was 51.
Kos is survived by Naomi his wife of 23 years, Akemi his sister, his parents, and a global community of colleagues, students, and friends. Kos has been a dedicated educator for 21 years. He spent 6 years teaching at The Ohio State University and the last 15 years teaching at Stanford University in the United States. He has also served as consulting professor during summers at EPFL in Switzerland and most recently at Keio University in Japan.
Arrangements for a public memorial service will be announced at a later date, but will probably be held in April on the Stanford campus. We encourage anyone touched by Kos to include their remembrance in the comments section below. These may be read at the memorial service.
Kos was truly a man of these times. He connected continents, cultures, and individuals. Words fail to express the collective sense of loss we feel today.
Sorrowfully,
-Stanford MML lab members
What terribly sad news. Kos was amongst these too few people that we always enjoy meeting and spending time with. Kos had many fiends around the whole world and in particular here in Switzerland. We will miss his joyful way of looking at life and his dedication to his colleagues, fiends and students. We share the sadness with Kos’s wife Naomi, his family and close friends. We have definitely lost a good friend with you Kos.
ReplyDeleteKos, we have been buddies for so many years! We have shared so many adventures in the field of EcoDesign and Recycling. As the leader of MML you have inspired us, stimulated us and taken care of so many of us! You have been the core of the wonderful atmosphere in the Lab, even the Dutch St Nicholas party was integrated in a wonderful way.
ReplyDeleteYou have played an important role in the international community of folks trying to link environmental ideals and engineering reality. This is a tough job which is sometimes poorly understood by these communities. You were able as one of the few persons in the world to take these hurdles and you did it always in a positive way and with sense of humor. MML will miss you dearly, we will miss you at this side of the great pond too, the world will miss you !
Personally, I learned a lot from you, Kos, thanks a lot!
And there is more; we were the four of us. Naomi and Annet were active in all we did together. We will miss you very much.
Ab Stevels, professor of Applied EcoDesign, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Holland
Ishii-sensei, you were so special and only one person in the world for us. Nobody can replace you... However, you are still living in our hearts and your words keep encouraging and influencing us forever. I hope you will have many students in heaven and continue your work there as usual. Thank you. We miss you so much.
ReplyDelete...unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24)
Tetsuya Toma, SDM in Keio Univ
If I could speak for one person, myself, he has touched in his life, Kos IS a man who provided an opportunity, introduced the world, shown ways to live it, yet, stayed the most humble teacher, mentor, and even a father-figure, who always looked after them. Words can’t describe the significance and magnitude of his impact to so many lives. Kos has been, and will be admired, followed, and loved even after his time with all of us. For so many lessons of life you shared, but mostly for having been who you are, we miss you dearly, Kos.
ReplyDeleteKos,
ReplyDeleteI have no word to ease Naomi's sorrow. I have no word to express my sorrow and sense of loss. You had been my goal as a researcher. The goal was always rushing too fast. Thus, the distance had been getting further and further. And now, you have gone beyond my reach. I feel like I am lost in a darkness without any roadmap. You were always running too fast. But, now, please rest in peace. No one will complain about your taking a rest after long and busy days that you lived.
Norm
Kos... this is such stunningly sad news. Kos, you were always larger than life, and you always will be, in our hearts and memories. You have left behind you a hole in our world that will never be filled, but we are thankful for all you have given to us, and you can be very proud the legacy you leave behind. Thank you, thank you for seeing potential in people, including myself, that maybe they didn't see. Thank you for sharing your joy, your passion, your knowledge, and your life with us.
ReplyDelete-Steve K.
We were stunned to hear this sad and painful news.Ishii-sensei was one of the most powerful leaders we've ever met.We were all enchanted by his smile and warm personality.
ReplyDeleteKos, we cherish all the memories with you at MML and in Japan.We will miss you so much.We share the pains and sorrows with Naomi-san and his family.
Ken, Miho and Yumeka Seki
Kos worked incredibly hard to share his knowledge with others. Even though he was always extremely busy, Kos always returned from his travels with a special treat for me - cookies or chocolates that he remembered I enjoyed. This is just a small example of the care and concern he showed for others. While I have never worked directly in the MML, I felt like a member of "extended family." Kos, we miss you. -Kristin
ReplyDeleteNaomi,
ReplyDeleteKos was a fantastic teacher of so many things and I owe much of what I do to him. His wisdom, but more his spirit will be missed by everyone, and will be well remembered. His impact will continue to reverberate in many different communities. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. My deep sympathy and best regards.
Take care,
John
Incredibly sad news. Although Kaz is no longer here to teach, his lessons will continue to serve this world through the countless lessons he taught his students. I will especially remember the round of golf I shared with Kaz, and his wise, yet open-minded, demeanor.
ReplyDeleteI'm overcome with confusion and questions. I'm not sure what to think or feel, but I know it is a sense of great loss of a wonderful teacher, mentor, and inspirer. Ishii-sensei, I'm sincerely saddened I did get not to spend all the time I could have learning from you. May the rain outside my window now speak for the tears all of us shed for our great loss. To your family, I can't fathom your thoughts and feelings, I can only wish you strength - I am so so sorry. Rest in peace, teacher, and know that your influence will transpire lifetimes. - Your student, Hai
ReplyDeleteOf Kos, I think of so many things: energy, enthusiasm, contagious hearty laughter, poise, friendliness, leadership... I will miss you my friend! Thank you for your example and for your life lived full. You are a role model for me, and I am grateful to God for the time we shared together as office mates, TA's for ME 210, members of Phil Barkan's research group, and as colleagues in academia. Thank you, Kos!
ReplyDeleteBuff Furman
Today I heard the sad news about Kos leaving us. It was good to be able to share some spontaneous feelings and memories with my good ecodesign friend and colleague Tim McAloone, visiting from Denmark, who, like me, has fond memories of working with Kos.
ReplyDeleteThose memories include BBQs in Kos' garden (being served by his students), his outdoor jacuzzi, and a will filled fridge close at hand. I have been very thankful for Kos allowing me to stay a week or two at the MML, back then in 1997, shaping ideas, contacts and a refreshing look on research and education. Another memory is from a couple of years later, driving with Kos and Jorgen Furuhjelm (then Nilsson) from Delft to Eindhoven, missing the turn towards Breda, and ending up a few miles into Belgium (where Kos had never been before). Later that trip we actually ended up in a (very innocent) collision (probably the last time Kos was in a car with two foreign PhD students), an experience which only added to us becoming friends. In fact, and I just checked, Kos was one of the first congratulating me with my new position in Norway, 2 years ago.
May his family and friends find the strength to deal with their loss, and please know that at many places around the world people will never forget Kos.
Casper Boks (NTNU, Trondheim, Norway)
Kos, I shall always be so very proud of you for being the only ME PHD student who completed degree requirements (including submission of your dissertation) before your 9th quarter of residency. You are awesome! Thank you for your kindess all these years. I shall miss you!
ReplyDeleteI really feel sad in hearing the demise of Kos Ishii , he was a wonderful person , always cheerful and ready to share a drink , hope he had reached a better place !
ReplyDeleteMy Condolences to all his family members and to the students who were yet to gain valuable knowledge from him ;
You will be missed, Kos. Cheerful, kind, energetic. As grad students, we were always amazed at your boundless energy traveling the world, teaching, mentoring, playing golf and tennis, meeting with friends, and on and on. You touched a multitude of people along the way. Kos and Naomi thank you for all that you've given us and will continue to give us. - Mark M.
ReplyDeleteI am speechless. I sincerely hope that we can share the sorrows with his wife and his family.
ReplyDeleteT. Tomiyama (TU Delft)
I am stunned. My sorrow to lose such a talented colleague and friend is unfathomable. Naomi - my heart reaches out to you - Kos was a fabulous man, a great teacher and colleagye, and dear to all of us, but you were were always his number one. I send you my deepest condolences.
ReplyDeleteEdith Wilson (MML)
I first met Kos when he was still a grad student and was impressed with the man and the intellect. The design community has lost a great partner, teacher and contributor. With tears in my eyes, my thoughts are with you, Kos.
ReplyDeleteDavid Ullman Ooregon State University)
What a shock, what a loss. I knew Kos first when he was a consultant on DFM to GE Plastics about 20 years ago. In some ways, Kos was like a big brother to me (his words) with Phil Barkan as our father. On speaking of Kos, Phil told me that Kos had such talent & did so much - but was worried that Kos pushed himself too hard.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, I am so sorry. We've really lost a good man. Kos, I will miss you so much.
David Kazmer
Kos’ death is a big shock to us! He was such a dynamo! My favorite memory of Kos was the unforgettable gearing trip of Japan that myself, Bob Munro and Siva Sundaresan took with him. He provided us with a genuine Japanese experience with great enthusiasm and knowledge. Naomi, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteDon and Colleen Houser
It is still unbelievable for us.Ishii-sensei had such a big impact.We can't describe how much Ishii-sensei & Naomisan took care of us during our stay in Stanford.Naomisan, we are really thinking of you...our deepest condolences to you.
ReplyDeleteI was very shocked to heard sad news today.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful experience to me to having opportunity to share time with Ishii-sensei, and I'm still can't believe he was passed away.
We are encouraged and inspired through his cheerful and powerful lectures, and we've learn lot from Ishii-sensei not only design methods but also how we should behave as a good leader.
Thank you so much, and I'd like to offer my deepest condolences.
Akira TOSE, SDM/Keio Univ.
I had known Kos for just three months - but I could already tell when I met him for the first time that he was an exceptionally integrative, welcoming, and warm person. He was full of ideas how to bring his and my research fields together. I very much would have liked to do that in order to learn from him and reach out together with him.
ReplyDeleteSo I will remember him as a person that I would have liked to spend much more time with. Maybe I will meet him again...
Sven
I really dont know what to say.....
ReplyDeleteProf. Ishii...you will be missed!
Kos,
ReplyDeleteWe shall always be grateful to you for what we are and what we shall become, for in every ounce of our success there lies a portion of your teachings.
Rest in Peace.
Ishii sensei,
ReplyDeleteYou always gave me power and I liked your smile very much. I wanted to learn from you more.
I swear to reduce Value Engineering you taught us to the society in the future.
Toshiyuki Seto, SDM/Keio univ.
Such a kind, sweet soul. Thank you for always including me and being there with a smile.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss you very much.
My condolences to Naomi and all your admirers . . .
Denise
This is just devastating. The only solace is that Kos was loved by so many people. The energy he brought to his work and to his mentorship will live on in my memory and in the memories of family and friends the world over. Kos, we miss you.
ReplyDelete- Bryan DeMare
Kos, you've been a welcoming neighbor, a gracious host and an inspirational friend. You are already very missed by all those near to you and the suddeness of your passing takes our collective breath away. We miss your warm and infectious laugh and generosity of spirit and will celebrate your life in the fashion you would surely have wished.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, you are in our hearts and we all share in your loss.
Steph, Clint, Miles & Mason
To Kos' family, friends, colleagues, and all that he touched, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to share a few precious moments with Kos over the years. He epitomized the true meaning of a teacher, mentor, scholar, and friend. I never knew Kos to dismiss an opportunity to talk with a person that approached, but, on the contrary, to cherish such opportunities and brighten the day of everyone he encountered. Kos contributed lasting knowledge and creativity to his research area and to the students he taught. Yet, more importantly, he impacted the lives of multiple generations in so many positive and profound ways. This is what I will carry with me as I remember Kos: the touching, guiding, and inspiring of lives to stretch our talents and achieve the utmost from what God has bestowed upon us. We will miss our dear friend, but know and that he resides within each of us. -Kris Wood
ReplyDeleteishii-sensei
ReplyDeleteI can not believe...
I was very enjoyed and learned very much your lectures in ALPS.
I am very happy to meet you.
Thank you for your lectures.
Please rest in peace.
We can not believe this sad news, and have no word to ease Naomi-san’s sorrow. Kosuke-san was always our close friend since we met at Escondido in 1986. Many memories with him come to our minds such as 1st marriage anniversary trip to Rino (Kosuke-san and Naomi-san married only 1 week ahead of us, and we celebrated anniversary together), camping together at Death Valley, drinking together in Tokyo and jacuzzing together at his home. Kosuke-san is not only an extraordinary authority of mechanical engineering, but also a master of enjoying life. But, he enjoyed a little bit faster than usual. Please rest in peace, Kosuke-san, and we never forget your smile!
ReplyDeleteprofessor Ishii...
ReplyDeletei've been so much looking forward to have your lectures in APLS from this spring!!!!!!
i was so much waiting for this!!!!!!!
i wanted to learn so much from you!!!!!!!!!!!
now i'm so much regretful to miss the chances in the past ALPSs...
i can't beleive that you've passed away, and i couldn't attend your classes...
everyone in SDM/Keio are now shocked and so sad...
there would be always a place of you in SDM forever...
may you rest in peace in heaven...
Pegah HAKIMI, SDM/Keio
My heart goes out to Kos' family, friends, students, and colleagues. I met him 20 years ago when we were both ramping up our academic careers. He invited me to visit his lab at OSU and I remember being struck by the energy there - his students, like him, were enthusiastic, curious, open minded, welcoming and warm. Our interactions grew more sporadic over the ensuing years, but even after many had passed between meetings, he would always pick up, like a long lost friend, as if we had just talked yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI never had the pleasure of meeting his wife - but Naomi, you should know that he mentioned you regularly in conversation. You were clearly always on his mind and near his heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
We lost a great man.
Except in terms of time, Kos' life exceeded measure. Despite his many accomplishments, I will always remember his enthusiasm, drive, and lust for life.
ReplyDeleteThough many knew Kos better than I, he impacted me none-the-less. His personal phone call while I was touring other grad schools first turned my attention to Palo Alto. His course and research defined my Stanford experience. And Kos was the one that insisted I don his cap and gown for graduation pictures when he learned that I had not bothered to buy my own.
I will also remember spending a few unexpected days with Kos in 2001. On September 11th, Kos' flights home from an ASME conference in Pittsburgh were cancelled. Kos was so anxious to get home to Naomi and the MML that he forwent a comfortable hotel room to drive eight hours to Detroit, sleep on my couch, and grab the first direct flight back to the Bay Area.
I expect Kos would enjoy remembering how he beat everyone home from the conference. I enjoy remembering how Kos took advantage of every moment life had to offer. -PF
This is so shocking and very saddening! Kos was a great teacher showing such passion and enthusiasm in his teaching. I'm extremely grateful to him for all that I learned and all the exposure I got over the two quarters when I took his course. I will remember him forever.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to his family.
Aishwarya
This message was sent to the staff of the Stanford Center for Professional Development announcing Kos' passing.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Kos Ishii of the Mechanical Engineering Department was one of our very best – maybe the best – faculty member in working with industry students and their employers. Over the last 15 years he had very large industry enrollments for the ME Department, sometimes well over 100 engineers taking his Design for Manufacturability courses. I had the pleasure of traveling with Kos on many occasions to companies such as General Motors, Boeing and UTC. He was our biggest faculty advocate with companies and they consistently indicated that his courses were of significant and lasting value. General Motors always mentioned to me – and acknowledged it publically -- that Kos was their very best university instructor (out of hundreds every year) and pointed to him as a model that they asked faculty from other universities to follow. Kos was also the first recipient of the Dean’s Award for Industry Education Innovation. Many SCPD staff worked with Kos and all of us appreciated his passion, focus on excellence and dedication to his students. He will be missed.
Andy DiPaolo,Exec Director,SCPD
A great man, a great researcher, teacher, colleague, friend. You will be missed Kos. You left way too early, you gave so much, and you could have given so much more.
ReplyDeleteI owe you an award, and will find a way to get it to your wife.
Sincere condoleances Naomi
Georges Fadel
I was very shocked to hear the saddest news.
ReplyDeleteIshii-sensei was always kind to me and had allowed me to come to his lab., classes, and parties. My expertise is different from his field, but I learned a lot of things from him.
Thank you so much, Ishii-sensei.
Naomi-san, please accept my sincere condolences.
Takashi Sunda
What shocking news. I still cannot believe what happened. I cannot find a word to express my feelings... a mix of surprise and sadness. Who could imagine this happening a few days ago, when you talk to him and he is as powerful as usual, giving you advices, talking with the same sense of humor?
ReplyDeleteA terrible loss to the engineering comunity around the world. I am sure none of us were prepared to be left alone yet. Kos, my deepest gratitude for been a great mentor, an incredible host during my stay in US, and specially a friend during the free hours. I will miss you a lot!
My sincere condolences to Naomi and all the relatives, as well as everyone at Stanford and MML who Kos used to love and are now left alone.
Professor Kos Ishii of the Mechanical Engineering Department was one of our very best – maybe the best – faculty member in working with industry students and their employers. Over the last 15 years he had very large industry enrollments for the ME Department, sometimes well over 100 engineers taking his Design for Manufacturability courses. I had the pleasure of traveling with Kos on many occasions to companies such as General Motors, Boeing and UTC. He was our biggest faculty advocate with companies and they consistently indicated that his courses were of significant and lasting value. General Motors always mentioned to me – and acknowledged it publically -- that Kos was their very best university instructor (out of hundreds every year) and pointed to him as a model that they asked faculty from other universities to follow. Kos was also the first recipient of the Dean’s Award for Industry Education Innovation. Many SCPD staff worked with Kos and all of us appreciated his passion, focus on excellence and dedication to his students. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteAndy
Im shocked. Kos was instrumental in my coming to Stanford for graduate studies and a great guy. He surely will be missed.
ReplyDeletePeace to his soul and god blessed his loved ones.
Professor Ishii was my great advisor when I was stadying at Ohio State University. I am very shocked to hear the saddest news. I would like to say great thanks for your great support to me and much contribution to our company. I send my condolences respectfully.
ReplyDeleteShinichiro Fujikawa
Ishii-Sensei
ReplyDeleteI am deeply shocked and distressed to hear of the sad news. I have been attracted to work on your concept of DfM. I have been looking forward to study with your teaching in your laboratory. I express my deepest sympathies over the loss of Ishii-Sensei to his family, MML members and everyone concerned.
Masafumi Kitano, Fujikin Incorpolated.
I have wonderful memories of Kos at Ohio State. He could always be counted on for a laugh and a beer! He knew how to make us work hard and learn. We are all better for having him as a teacher and friend. My thoughts are with his family and the Stanford family. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Burke Paliani
Kos was my academic big brother. He was my TA in ME210 my first year as a graduate student and he spent hours with me helping me to prepare for quals. He did excellent impressions of Phil Barkan, Larry Liefer, and Doug Wilde, taking on their personas to help me anticipate the exam. I have observed an admired Kos' positive energy since the day I set foot on campus 22 years ago. Now it's time for us to take on a bit of his persona and be better for it.
ReplyDeleteScott Delp
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering
Today I say goodbye to my teacher, mentor and friend. The world has lost a gifted thinker and a true global citizen. Reading through all of these comments I am struck by the profound impact that Kos had on the people he touched. I am no exception. Kos has been there for me at every critical juncture in my career, as he was for many of his students, whom he gave so much of his time and energy to. While Kos is no longer with us in body, his spirit, his work and his gifts will live on in all of us that were fortunate enough to have had him in our lives. I will miss his smile, his generosity, and of course, his laugh.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marcos E.
Kos,
ReplyDeleteTonight, I had a meeting with Prof. Nishimura regarding my future PhD work at Keio SDM.
I will be able to finish coming Singapore INCOSE paper under the supervision of Prof. Nishimura and Prof. Balmelli as well as
your last advice about my INCOSE paper.
But..., I really miss you.
thank you VERY much for everything,
-ken seki@Sony/Keio.SDM
I am numb with saddness at the news of Kos' passing. His passion and energy for his students, his family and his life was amazing, and his generosity beyond measure. I continue down the path that Kos set me on, and I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to travel it. Rest in peace, Kos, and thanks.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, you and your family are in my prayers, and have my deepest sympathy.
Fritz
An unimaginable event has occurred. I’m sure, no, I’m absolutely certain that Kos’ wife, family, friends, associates, and admirers—anyone who actually knew him—can hardly fathom that such a brilliant and dynamic force could leave the earth so soon. Since I left Stanford and his day to day orbit five years ago, I had few opportunities for contact other than email exchange, but I never let an opportunity pass, that I didn’t let him know just how much his friendship meant to me. What follows is a portion of my last message to him and I am so thankful that I let him know many, many times what a wonderful man he was…
ReplyDelete“…Life goes on and we make new memories, Kos, but the old ones seem to the soul so much more satisfying than the moment. I know I say this in some different way each time we exchange greetings, but it springs to my mind anew with fresh conviction, so I must say it again and hope you do not tire of hearing it—I would have had a lesser life and certainly not as meaningful a one, had I not the opportunity to be a part of yours. I feel an eternal state of gratitude and respect for you, one that absence does not diminish.”
To those who made him, I say what a gift he was to the world and thank you. And to all who mourn him, I am grieving with you. I will honor his memory as long as I live.
Deborah (Newman) Nobel
Ishii-sensei, thank you so very much for all your great effort, positive energy and knowledge you kindly gave us. It is very hard to keep my tears from falling when I think about your bright smile. I am going to miss you so much, sir. May the great teacher rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family.
Deepest condolences and respect,
-Naoko Daigo (Tokyo, Japan)
When I heard this sad news from my colleage on my business trip, I couldn't believe his words.
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't have a chance to work closely with Prof.Ishii during my time at Stanford, he gave me a strong impression with beautiful smile and powerful passion to his research and education.
And, as a Japanese, I was so proud of Prof.Ishii being a well-recognized faculty of Stanford University, and have been respecting him so much.
Prof.Ishii, thank you so much for leading us and sharing your passion to research and education. We will never forget what you taught us and your smile.
Rest in peace ...
With my deepest sorrow and synpathy to his family,
Hideaki Tsuru
Honda Research Institute USA
It took me some time to realize and believe what happened. I met for first time Kos in a, ASME conference in San-Diego in 1993. This relation has grown up and brought him some years later in Lausanne where we appreciated his and Naomi's friendship. I cannot forget the light in his eyes ...
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Kos.
Dimitris, Noi, Paris and Orestis will keep you in their good memories.
Naomi you have all our sympathy.
Kos & Naomi, together, touched my life for too brief a time, and I was greatly enriched because of them. Exceptional people, and special friends. My love is extended to Naomi.
ReplyDelete- Charles Newman
When Naomi and I were working on the design details of their new kitchen, Kos would dash out of his home office to give us his thoughts on grout color or switchplates before disappearing again -- but in those few moments his wide, easy grin, positive energy, and sparkling eyes told me everything that those who know him better have said here. He made an endearing, uplifting first impression and I am not at all surprised to learn how loved and popular he was. Naomi, my heart is with you.
ReplyDeleteKos –
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to think of Stanford Engineering without you. When I think of you, I think of excellence, passion, creativity, endless energy, openness, respect, responsibility, and insistence on the highest standard of conduct and achievement in all endeavors. A talented and accomplished individual yourself, you sought to nurture talent in your graduate students, inspiring and guiding them in reaching their goals, whether in design or in scholarship. You encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and intellectual rigor in engineering design with all your students – on campus and in global manufacturing companies. You gave extraordinary attention to the quality of the educational experience you offered, demanding high performance from staff as well as students. You will be deeply missed by all.
On staff at two Engineering centers, I was honored to work with you, a contributing professor.
With sympathy to all close to you,
Cam Moore
I just heard the news about Kos and I am still in shock. Naomi, my deepest sympathies go out to you.
ReplyDeleteI first met Kos when I came to Stanford to interview with Phil Barkan as one of his PhD students. Kos' enthusiasm and can-do attitude was one of the things that attracted me to study there. By the time I arrived, Kos left for OSU and he quickly became a legend in the design division. A prodigy that Phil was very proud of and an inspiration for all of us.
When Phil took ill and Kos returned, he not only took over as a great teacher and researcher, but he took on a leadership role with the current students and alums of the Barkan-Ishii Research group. With his enthusiasm, warmth and smile, Kos made the MML a home away from home for all of us alums who came to visit and made us all feel like family.
Kos, I am grateful for the time that we had together and you will always be an inspiration to me.
Ron Worth