In loving memory of Wallace Kazama, a man who treasured family above all and found joy on the water, his family proudly contributes $10,000 to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. His spirit will continue to inspire others through this gift.
Wallace Kazama was my hero.
As far back as I can remember, Dad worked 'round the clock to provide for his family. Sometimes he'd come home just in time for dinner; other times he'd arrive after we were asleep. Despite his work demands, he was at every one of his kids' events, video camera in hand. CEOs and the like had to wait; his 8-year old had a game. A kid never forgets that kind of commitment.
Work ethic and entrepreneurial successes were what he was known for, but Dad's priority and passion was his family. Adorning the walls of his home were pictures of his kids and grandkids. There was no sign of the business plaques and awards he earned throughout his career. Stacks of Betamax and VHS game tapes, handwritten cards and pictures from his grandkids took their place. Nothing mattered more to him.
Dad was relentlessly positive and the most humble person I've ever met. "That was the best dish ever! The best!" he'd say to someone he just met at a potluck. He meant it, too. The glass was always half full, and sometimes even more so if you looked hard enough. Another one of his sayings was, "You want to achieve many things, but you don't have to talk about any of them." Dad accomplished so much, but you'd never know it as he drove down the street in his tattered Dodge Caravan.
He enjoyed the water, going for a swim whenever the ocean was near. Dad absolutely loved fishing. Each summer he'd take us to catch salmon in Alaska. It was one of the few things he ever did for himself, and he of course included his loved ones. Dad was in his element. He'd be on Cloud 9 battling the largest King Salmon one day and still be completely stoked catching shrimp the next. His happy place was on the water, with his family, catching dinner, making memories.
Dad would be honored to support the mission of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, to perpetuate the life and legacy of Duke: the man, the myth, the legend. I wish Dad and Duke had a chance to meet. I think they'd be fast friends. Aloha, 'ohana, and ocean. All love, all the time.
Love you, Dad. Thanks for being my hero.
- Davin Kazama & Family (Noelani, Sunny, and Maia)
