We posted about his new Tall Ships calendar about a month ago. One of his calendars is hanging on my wall waiting for the new year to begin. Sadly, we learned last night that Thad Koza has died of cancer. In addition to his beautiful calendars, Koza also published a number of books, including Tall Ships: The International Guide.
Old Salt Blog
a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea , hosted by nautical novelist Rick Spilman
Thad introduced himself to me about 6 years ago because he knew my brother. I’m glad he did!
I started working at Salve Regina 2 years ago. Thad was at Salve a lot. He would come to my office every now and then to say ‘hello’ and see how things were – that was nice.
Thad’s death saddens me. I believe he was at peace before he died. I believe he is with us now.
He will be missed.
we of the T/S Elissa (Galveston,Tx) that knew him -will miss him !
I met thad a couple of years ago at. The Newport boat show and told him about the pirate museum i was building in. Newport. And 2 hours later he was in my shop and we talked for many hours as he gave me a lot of insite . I’ll miss our talks and autograph sessions . Fair winds my friend!
Your most humble servant,
Capt.Alexander J. Banks
Newport Jack”s Pirate Museum
I’d known Thad for more than thirty years, so his passing leaves a deep mark on me. We were both sailing photographers, I of mostly racing boats and he of Tall Ships, so many times we would meet and talk about our mutual love of the sea and taking pictures on it.
I learned about his death more than two months afterwards and it comes as a shock; I didn’t even know he had been ill. I had been in Newport in the fall for regattas and didn’t look him up this trip. My great loss, for I will always miss those wonderful at-length conversations we used to have.