CAT Tracks

CAT Tracks for May 9, 2003

STEVE KOHN MEMORIAL SERVICE

The memorial service opened with tributes to a beloved father by his children, including his youngest, Danny. They were followed by a representation of the many people whom Steve Kohn touched during his life...members of his educational family, students, friends, and relatives. Appropriately, the service concluded with the personal remembrances of his wife, Julie. At the close of the service, all in attendance were invited to join the family for dinner at the United Methodist Church in Karnak.

Memorials by the Daughters of Steve Kohn:

Courtney:

As many of you know, we lost both of my grandparents within the last two months. I remember a conversation I had with my dad as my grandfather was getting ready to pass. I had asked my grandfather if he was scared of dying. He told me that he wasn’t. My dad said that as you get older you lose your fear of dying. It becomes more of a reality that death is a natural part of life. My father actually said that he was not afraid to die. Look at what a tribute to your grandfather we all are. He said that when he goes he knows of the legacy he will leave behind. I know now that was his way of telling me that his time was near. It brings me comfort know that my dad was not afraid to die.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that we are all put here to serve a purpose. My fathers purpose was to touch the lives of all of us here to honor him today. He was here to make sure that Julie and Danny weathered the storm.

Since I have arrived in town, so many people have told me of the wonderful person my father was and how he impacted their life. My father is a hero in the true sense of the word. I know that he is still here with us. My son said he saw my father last night, that he smiled and waved to my dad and my dad smiled and waved back. Then according to my son, Grandpa flew away. I know that he is safe and I know that he will forever be watching over me.

People tell me all the time that I am just like my dad, stubbornness and all. I am finally realizing what a wonderful thing that is. I will be forever grateful and am extremely proud that Steve Kohn was my father.

Katey:

Everyone who knows me will tell you I’m a Daddy’s girl. I thought my Dad was the kindest, most caring, smartest man in the world. I thought he knew everything. So anytime I had a question, I called him. Whether it was about politics, sports, money, my job, whatever – he always knew the answer. He taught me so much. But the one thing I learned the most from my father came when I called him for advice, when I had tough decisions to make. Usually I wanted him to just make my decisions for me, but he never gave me answers. He’d just listen to me talk about my dilemma, and then he’d always say the same thing. He’d say, “Kate – Just do what makes you happy.” Simple as that. My Dad never cared about what other people would think or say about things. He never made his choices based on others, or on what would be easy, or anything like that. He just did what made him happy. He moved to this little town after spending his whole life in the big city because it made him happy. When he could have been using his computer skills on some high-paying tech job, he chose to teach school in Cairo for 15 years, because it made him happy. For him, life was that simple – you do what makes you happy. And even on this day, when we are all so sad and miss him so much, I know he’d say the same thing. And I know I’ll never have trouble making tough decisions to make anymore, because my Dad already taught me everything I need to know about how to live my life, and how to be happy.

MY PERSONAL TRIBUTE
Many people go through life carefully constructing a public façade…for appearances sake. Many times that façade is very transparent…you know the real person is nothing like they want us to believe.
However, with Steve Kohn, it was “what you see is what you get”. He voiced his opinions with no sugarcoating or political correctness. If you didn’t like what he said…if he got under your skin…he didn’t apologize. As far as he was concerned, you would just have to get over it. Where others would listen to someone express an opinion and “politely” agree or let it pass, Steve would let them have their say and then he would abruptly announce…”You’re wrong!”…and proceed to explain why. And if you got mad…if you thought he was an…well, a butthead…he’d laugh and proudly accept the designation!
But, ironically, Steve’s openness and gruffness created a public façade of its own…a façade as unreal as the one crafted by others less honest. Because Steve Kohn was NOT the uncaring, insensitive person that some would believe.
Steve Kohn had his priorities straight. He did not waste time living a lie. Steve Kohn cared about kids and family. Steve Kohn knew that kids from a small town – especially minority kids – would face a tough time when they left Cairo and entered the “real world”. The sign on his wall at school said: “If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.” With almost missionary zeal, Steve surveyed his new students each year…looking for the quiet types…the tentative types that might be lost when confronted by uncaring and insensitive types in the future. He took it upon himself to “toughen them up”…to get them to speak up, express themselves, to have an opinion and not be afraid to express it.
Steve Kohn had a relationship with kids that was special. Kids he trained for computers…and, more importantly…for life knew that he really cared for them…and they appreciated it. Many a former student came back to see Mr. Kohn…both at school and at his house. They were always welcome…He always had time for them.
Steve talked many times about leaving education and going back into the “real world” of business. He talked about it for years…giving a personal deadline for doing so. Yet each time the deadline arrived and passed…Steve kept coming back…a true indication that he had already reached his true calling.
This alone would make Steve Kohn’s life a success story. But, as committed as Steve was to his vocation as an educator, that zeal paled in comparison to his commitment to his family…which is as it should be.
When it was time to bargain contracts and schedule negotiations sessions, we always checked with Steve first…we tried to take his “family time” into consideration. Steve would let you know very quickly that there were certain times that were off-limits…whether it was anniversaries, birthdays, or simply to read his son to sleep. Unfortunately, we interfered with a few of those times when sessions went longer than expected…and you would just sit there and watch the toll that it was taking on Steve…as he fidgeted and watched the clock…as he phoned home to explain that he was running late…but that he WOULD be there…
Steve would come to the lounge and relate his busy schedule of practices and extracurricular activities…without a single complaint. After eating lunch in 10 minutes, he simply took a power nap so as to be ready for the next excursion. Those of us at the high school experienced vicariously the birth of his youngest child, Danny, his development, and his educational growth through stories related by an obviously proud father. And we shared laughter at Danny’s mischievous actions…knowing all the while that it was a case of “like father, like son”.
I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know the real Steve Kohn during the past 15 years. I am honored that he considered me his friend. Steve is gone but will never be forgotten. And if tragedy had to befall someone in Steve’s family on Tuesday night, those of us who knew him know that he would not have had it any other way.

STUDENT TRIBUTE