SURFERMAG.COM ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
Give, Never Expect, and then Give Some More: The Jon Mozo Celebration
It looked like it was raining over Kualoa Ranch the entire drive over from Hale‘iwa. Rounding the bend, Chinaman’s Hat rose from the waters below the towering mountains, so rugged and beautiful, their rich green contrasting sharply with the gray rain clouds that hung heavy around their peaks. But all was awash in sunlight on the grounds below at Kualoa Ranch, which was swarming with people celebrating Jon Mozo’s legacy on Memorial Day.
Jon was a highly respected ocean photographer, surfer and family man. He risked his life many times to capture the intriguing forms of the ocean and all it encompassed. In 1993, Mozo was bitten by a tiger shark while surfing the East Side, paddled in on his own, and had to get 30 stitches to close up his foot. Yet Jon remained a humble and faithful admirer of the ocean’s power. He once said that that the ocean was the one consistent thing that had been there for him in his life. “Ironically it's almost taken my life,” he said. “But at the same time, it's given me life.”
Tragically, on February 9, 2005, Jon suffered fatal head injuries while photographing Pipeline. And while most people remember Jon as a photographer, Chris Mozo, Jon’s younger brother, says that everyone in the community loved Jon for his inspiring nature.
“He radiated a good vibe to everyone,” Chris says. “He was never really competitive with anyone. He always supported people’s dreams and talents and all the small businesses. Jon’s a perfect example of selflessness. The more successful he became, the more he gave back. He always said, ‘Make an impact and be passionate about what you do.’ It’s a lifestyle. It’s values. All the other stuff doesn’t really matter.”
The only thing that seemed to matter on Memorial Day was enjoying loved ones. Live music, fun rides for the keiki, crafts and food were abundant as picnics sprinkled the lawn. Inside the visitor’s center, Jon Mozo’s art was on display and for sale. The day was a celebration of Jon’s legacy, as well as a fundraiser for the foundation his wife Nikki began after he passed.
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READER COMMENTS
Mon Sep 1, 2008, 3:54 PM
I knew Jon when he lived in Rota Spain. I am deeply saddened to here about his passing recently. I know I'm a few years late in finding out. Jon was a Person who nobody could forget once they got to know him. I will always remember him. My heart goes out to his loved ones.
Sun Oct26, 2008, 5:47 PM
I see we have the same last name is there any way we could be kin? Sorry to hear about his passing. Elizabeth Mozo {from Cordele, Georgia}
Thu Jan29, 2009, 10:43 PM
I lived in Japan with Jon and went to both school and church with Jon. He was so much fun to be around. Jon related everything to the ocean and surfing. Jon introduced me to surfing on the small waves of southern Japan. My prayes go out to his family.
Tue Aug25, 2009, 6:43 PM
Jon Mozo is my uncle. and my family and I miss him very dearly. he is as close to my heart if not closer than alot of members in my family and will always remain right were he is. we love him so much but we know we will be with him again and that he is still with us even now. on behalf of my family i thank you all for the you have put forward and hope to meet you all one day.. i would love to see the people my uncle has touched. amamos y nunca te olvidaré tío. Dylz...
Sun Oct18, 2009, 5:28 PM
Not many people live such an imprint in somebody's life. Jon truly touched my heart the first time I met him. Such an incredible aura and spirit. Keep up his legacy - he should always be remembered. I feel blessed to have met him... but he's still very much missed!