David Takao Ozaki, 44, of Lawrence, Kan., died Wednesday (August 6, 2014), of heart disease.
David was born in Lincoln, Neb., (10-20-1969), to Ron and Millie Ozaki. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1987, a member of the Link marching band and golf team. He attended KU and played in the marching band. He made his home in Lawrence, working in the restaurant business, the insurance business and most recently as a claims adjuster for Carstar in Leavenworth.
In addition to his family, Scouting was David’s passion. He earned his Eagle Scout with Troop 35 in Lincoln and as an adult worked to make sure his own children – and many others – gained what he had through Scouts. He led his own sons’ Cub Scout pack, was assistant adviser for his oldest daughter’s Venture Crew and served as scoutmaster of Troop 60.
He was district commissioner for Pelathe District, served on numerous district committees, earned a number of Scouting awards and trained many other scout leaders. For years he served as camp commissioner for Camp Naish’s Bear Camp near Bonner Springs.
He also coached his children’s youth basketball, baseball and softball teams.
He is survived by his wife Pat; children, Steven, Caitlyn, Daniel and Megan; father Ron; sister Claire, of Houston; brother and sister-in-law Andrew and Margaret and nephews Marshall, Grant and Will of Lincoln; mother-in-law Barb Sufian of Lawrence; and special family friend Joan Reist of Lincoln.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Millie Ozaki.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the LDS Church, 3655 W. 10th St., followed by a campfire at Camp Bromelsich, 682 N. 1400 Road, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday to honor David’s scouting career. Dress casual for campfire; bring chairs.
Memorials can be sent to family or Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kan., 66044-8260. Monies will be used for his children’s college fund, and to establish a Scout scholarship in David’s name.
Pat and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss.
At a time like this please accept comfort from God for he promises when you ‘draw close to him, he will draw close to you’, James 4:8. For more comforting thoughts and to know why we get sick , or grow old and die please go to jw.org
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dave. I was the claim manager for American Family and Dave was a valued employee. He represented the best in all of us. As a long time Boy Scout Leader myself, it is always very sad to lose one of our own. May God be with Dave’s family at this most difficult time.
To the family of David Ozaki and his Friends in Scouting – the Scouts of Douglas County and by connection the Boy Scouts of America lost a true champion and leader with the passing of Dave Ozaki. He never hesitated to support Scouting programs across our county, knowing that the boys of today’s Scouting programs would one day become the leaders of tomorrow. His Scouts never hesitated to perform OA ceremonial dances at Pack 3059 Blue and Gold banquets during my tenure as Cubmaster, 2008-’11. Their leadership by example (which was a direct line back to Dave) reflected on his passion for Scouting and his belief that leadership knows no bounds and that you never know who will benefit from a positive example; Dave sure did.
Dave, we will all miss you, your enthusiasm, and support of our youth.
YiS, David Teska
Dear Pat, I worked with Dave at American Family in Topeka. He was always such a kind soul and a friendly smile. He helped me with many boat claims!! He was so proud of his children and loved you dearly Pat. He spoke of his family often. I hope that God can comfort you in the difficult days to come. May he rest in peace.
I went to school with Claire and Andrew and thought of David as their cute little brother. My deepest sympathies to Claire, Andrew and their father, Ron. Also to Pat and his children.
Pat and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I will be praying for comfort and peace to surround you and help you in this difficult time.
Dear Pat and family. I was the grandma at American Family so considered Dave as one of my day children. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I lost my husband of 54 years last May so I know some of what you will be going through. I can only say cling to the memories and they will help you get through each day. My love and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat, Steven, Cait, Daniel, and Megan
We are all so devastated by Dave’s turn of events. Although a wonderfully bright, passionate and dedicated person has left us physically, I hope comfort is found in the best memories you have of a husband and dad. His energy and love has touched so many communities. Dave’s sprit and energy will continue to be part of your life force every day. We will miss his presence in our own life path but are so honored to have been touched by his. I appreciate both his and Pat’s knowledge of the Boy Scouting world and being a resource for us Girl Scouts.
I worked with Dave at American Family and he was such a good friend and co-worker. He will
be missed. God bless you and your family.
From Michael, Jan, Jeff, Matt & Andy.
Ozaki family:
So sorry to see the sad news in today’s paper about David.
I was David’s scoutmaster for several years and awarded him his Eagle Rank in scouting here in Lincoln.
I have fond memories of the times we spent the many years at summer camps, many weekends on campouts, a Niobrara Canoe trip and other scouting activities.
It is gratifying to see David’s involvement with the scouting organization and other activities over the years since his Eagle. David is one of the Eagle Scouts that has kept in touch since those days. It was always good to hear from him. Those times will be missed.
Our three son’s (Jeffrey, Matthew and Andy) also send their sympathy. They were in scouts the same time David was a member of the Troop 35.
We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all.
With deepest sympathy!
Mike & Jan
Such sad news to hear of Dave’s passing. I work at American Family and it was always great to have him come in the office after looking at a claim. He was a very free spirited man. He will be missed by so many. My prayers go to all of his friends and family.
Pat and family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Dave at American Family and he was also such a big help to me especially when estimating campers. Dave was a good man and we will miss his smiling face and laughter.
May the Lord comfort you in your time of grief.
Leann Reschke/Topeka
I have known Dave for many years and I am at a loss for words. He was always happy and a truly great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May Gods peace comfort you all.
Sarah Thompson
Our sympathy to Dave’s family and all the scouts who Dave mentored. Luke had the honor of being in Dave’s scout troop. He was an amazing man and will be missed by many people.
Pat,
May God bless you and your family during this time and always, we are thinking about you.
Donna and Krystal Kayhill
Such sad news to learn of Dave passing. I worked with Dave at American Family and it was good to have a fellow Nebraskan in the office. He will certainly live on through all the lives he touched through scouts and sports. A great fellow and friend.
Dear Pat, Steven, Caitlyn, Daniel and Megan,
We are so deeply sorry that Dave has been taken from you, but we also know that he has left lasting memories because of his devotion to his family. Scouting will also remember how much he gave of himself so that others could benefit from the Scouting program. Dave made a deep contribution to this community, and for that, we will remember him well.
I am sorry that we cannot attend the services and memorial on Saturday as previous travel commitments will take us out of the city. Know that we will be with you in thought and prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Keith and Barbara Wood
Dear Pat, Steven, Caitlyn, Daniel and Megan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. We were so very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was such a great guy–very glad to be able to call him a friend.
Much love to your family from ours.
Amy & Chuck, Alexis, Briceson, Jack and Pete
Dear Pat, Steven, Cait, Dan, & Megan,
We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Words cannot express the extent of our sympathy. Dave meant so much to all of us and we were fortunate to have him and your family in our lives. We learned so much from him about scouting but he was also a good friend.
May God comfort you and grant you peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Deb, Richard, Doug & Darren Rawlings
Dear Pat, Steven, Cait, Daniel, and Megan,
My thoughts are with you at this time. You have my deepest sympathies. Dave was such a wonderful person and he will be missed very much.
I am thankful I got the time to know him and your family.
I am thankful that he was my daughter’s first and best softball coach and that he was my son’s introduction to the wonders of scouting.
With much love, comfort and peace,
Ann Marie Boncella