I as very sorry to learn that Al had passed away this morning by email. I didn't know Al personally but without a doubt do appreciate his efforts to get this association going from which we have all benifited.
The first person from ZAHS I met was 'Ken' Miyatake. We were neighbors at beautiful Zama Courts, and on the first day of school he showed me how to take the bus and make our way to Zama. We rode that bus together every day for a year! He was a man fully involved with our school both during and after he graduated. Without his leadership and vision we would not have the ZAHS Alumni Association. Thank you Ken for being a friend and classmate. My condolences to your family. Rest In Peace.
Reunited at last with his beloved wife, but we will miss him. I will be forever grateful for his dedication to the Zama Alumni Asdociation. Because of his perseverance, my life is richer.
Sending aloha to you in heaven, Al. I consider myself so fortunate to have known you at Zama and having spent time with you in Kona and at reunions in Denver and Seattle. I will miss you so.
We who have attended ZAHS are all grateful for all you have given to us. The Alumni Association got started when you had to mail all of the news and information to us. The internet really helped getting the ball rolling but without your efforts in the beginning, we would not be where we are at today. The KAKIMONO, and all of the good times we had together in classes and at the reunions will not be forgotten. My condolences to your family and friends.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Al . I remember the good times we had on our return to Zama in the fall of 2003. Al arranged for a group of us to visit our new "old" high school for a career day. He will be missed but has again joined his beautiful Mariko. Many blessings, prayers and love to Al's family.
The world is a sadder place with the departure of Al. I remember him as a kind person who had a wealth of enthusiasm and an engaging personality. Sayonara old friend.
I was so sad to hear of your passing this week. I remember contacting you several times after Mariko's untimely passing and how you just couldn't bring yourself to attend another Zama reunion. Who can blame you! You and Mariko worked so hard for Zama. Last summer in Seattle, I was so happy to see you again. You told us that Mariko had come to you in a dream and told you to move forward. You seemed to enjoy being back among friends and those who appreciated all you and Mariko's efforts.
I owe so much to you Al. For so many years after leaving Zama I longed to see my friends once more, but resigned myself that those wonderful memories and friends were lost forever. You made it possible for me to reconnect with my friends and to reconnect with Jean and brother Beau Kvitky. I have been happily married to fellow Zama alum Beau for 17 years. I continue to find more friends and get together with them. Beau said once,"Lily, Zama is your hometown or Furusato." He is so right. I even took a trip back to Zama High in 2004 with my three children. The happiness I have now from recaptured roots and friends I owe to you.
You brought happiness to so many of us. Thank you Al!!
I did not know Al personally, however I am eternally grateful for him bringing us all together. My life is richer because of his efforts. God Bless, Al and family.
Carl Gregory (1979)
I as very sorry to learn that Al had passed away this morning by email. I didn't know Al personally but without a doubt do appreciate his efforts to get this association going from which we have all benifited.Thank you Al.
Rest in Peace!
Lon Hamernik (1968)
The first person from ZAHS I met was 'Ken' Miyatake. We were neighbors at beautiful Zama Courts, and on the first day of school he showed me how to take the bus and make our way to Zama. We rode that bus together every day for a year! He was a man fully involved with our school both during and after he graduated. Without his leadership and vision we would not have the ZAHS Alumni Association. Thank you Ken for being a friend and classmate. My condolences to your family. Rest In Peace.
Gayle Steele (Snyder) (1966)
Reunited at last with his beloved wife, but we will miss him. I will be forever grateful for his dedication to the Zama Alumni Asdociation. Because of his perseverance, my life is richer.
Domo arigato, tomodachi ❤️
Sue Brand (Medeiros) (1967)
Sending aloha to you in heaven, Al. I consider myself so fortunate to have known you at Zama and having spent time with you in Kona and at reunions in Denver and Seattle. I will miss you so.
Sue
Milton Isa (1966)
Al,
We who have attended ZAHS are all grateful for all you have given to us. The Alumni Association got started when you had to mail all of the news and information to us. The internet really helped getting the ball rolling but without your efforts in the beginning, we would not be where we are at today. The KAKIMONO, and all of the good times we had together in classes and at the reunions will not be forgotten. My condolences to your family and friends.
RIP my friend!!!
Milt Isa
Laura Beach (1964)
I was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Al . I remember the good times we had on our return to Zama in the fall of 2003. Al arranged for a group of us to visit our new "old" high school for a career day. He will be missed but has again joined his beautiful Mariko. Many blessings, prayers and love to Al's family.
Glenn Tart (1966)
The world is a sadder place with the departure of Al. I remember him as a kind person who had a wealth of enthusiasm and an engaging personality. Sayonara old friend.
Glenn Tart
Lily Rodriguez (Kvitky) (1965)
Dear Al,
I was so sad to hear of your passing this week. I remember contacting you several times after Mariko's untimely passing and how you just couldn't bring yourself to attend another Zama reunion. Who can blame you! You and Mariko worked so hard for Zama. Last summer in Seattle, I was so happy to see you again. You told us that Mariko had come to you in a dream and told you to move forward. You seemed to enjoy being back among friends and those who appreciated all you and Mariko's efforts.
I owe so much to you Al. For so many years after leaving Zama I longed to see my friends once more, but resigned myself that those wonderful memories and friends were lost forever. You made it possible for me to reconnect with my friends and to reconnect with Jean and brother Beau Kvitky. I have been happily married to fellow Zama alum Beau for 17 years. I continue to find more friends and get together with them. Beau said once,"Lily, Zama is your hometown or Furusato." He is so right. I even took a trip back to Zama High in 2004 with my three children. The happiness I have now from recaptured roots and friends I owe to you.
You brought happiness to so many of us. Thank you Al!!
Now you are with your beloved Mariko.
Rest In Peace.
Always,
Lily Rodriguez Kvitky
Pat Rotenberry (Mitchell) (1972)
I did not know Al personally, however I am eternally grateful for him bringing us all together. My life is richer because of his efforts. God Bless, Al and family.
Linda Perry (O'Connor) (1977)
RIP Al. Thank you for your dedication, guidance, and hard work in starting this Zama Alumni. Your legacy continues. God bless.