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1938 - 2015

BORN

1938

DIED

2015

About

Southwestern College

Steve Kowit Obituary

Kowit, Steve SAN DIEGO -- Steve Kowit of San Diego, died suddenly April 2, 2015. Poet, teacher, essayist, activist, friend to many, and tireless advocate for the oppressed. Survived by his beloved wife Mary Kowit, sister Carol (Alex) Adler, and many companion animals. Born in 1938 in Brooklyn, NY, he came of age in the early 1960s coffeehouse poetry scene, then brought his art south and west. A champion of accessible poetry, he is author of The Dumbbell Nebula, The Maverick Poets, In the Palm of Your Hand: The Poet's Portable Workshop, and a number of poetry collections. His work earned him an NEA fellowship, two Pushcart Prizes, and many other literary awards. Incorrigible and outspoken, he founded San Diego's first animal rights organization while still actively teaching and writing. He shared his love of poetry with countless students in Florida, Maryland, Idaho, and California, where he held college teaching posts, eventually retiring from Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA. Humane, insightful, hilarious and kind, he will be sorely missed. Memorials to The Innocence Project or Doctors Without Borders.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Kowit

13 Entries

Victor saucedo

April 13, 2022

Steve, the opening phrase of the song "I remember you" expresses the sentiment nicely. 5 notes within a 4th is a universe.

TED BURKE

January 19, 2020

Steve Kowit seemed like a force of nature and even now it's difficult to imagine a world with out him.I can still hear his voice each time we met, I can still see him smiling, leaning in close, asking me if I was still "dry" , even twenty five years since my last drink. I can still hear him telling me to proofread my poems and prose better. I can still remember him telling to put a volume of my own work together and , for the love of God, send stuff out to the publishers. Life is rewarded by the energy one puts into it. "Live" is a verb,after all, and Steve's message to anyone was to for those of us with things they want to do to get out there and live a little, take a stand, start a love affair, write a poem for your parents, get a job you actually like. Good things come if you work for them. My glancing friendship with Steve Kowit was one of the best things in my years as a San Diego poet.

Jan Hedlun

September 11, 2015

You have been a wonderful friend, a stalwart guide through my accidental activism, a cheerleader for my poetry, and so much more. You are always in my heart.

Barbara Caliri

May 3, 2015

Steve gave many of us hope that the plight of animals in this Country, and the World, could improve if people spoke up and made others aware. He was truly inspiring and courageous.

Victor Saucedo

April 23, 2015

I will miss his pensive eyes, gleaming on encounter, his attentive ears, carefully listening, but most of all I will miss Steve's voice and the lyric quality of his words. The parting verse from "The Workout," a mischievous promulgation by Steve, cannot but bring a smile, happiness, into the world: "I being by a long short younger, more athletic, slender, muscular & better looking." That's Steve, living in his poetry. Listen! It's not the wind, it ain't a song, it is Steve; one can still hear him.

Dennis Wills

April 21, 2015

My very dear Steve,
You will always remain the Poet Laureate of San Diego, as you were always San Diego poets' greatest friend and supporter. You will also always remain our greatest advocate at D.G.Wills Books, not only giving memorable readings here for thirty-five years, but also introducing U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins when he appeared here.
Undying love and respect from all of us here,
Dennis G. Wills
D.G.Wills Books
La Jolla Cultural Society
La Jolla

Ternot

Ternot MacRenato

April 20, 2015

Dear Steve, you are gone but will never be forgotten. Your kid heart always found time to help and inspire those of us who reached out to you. You always made me feel as if I was your best friend and I always appreciated it. I'm sure you had the same impact on all your friends. I love you my brother and I'll always miss you.

April 20, 2015

A kind, caring, person, a standard we should all live up too.
Victoria Bandy and Dusty

Larry Cronin

April 19, 2015

Steve both hit home and hit a home run with what a human being can really be when he does a damn good job of living. Steve was a living bodhisattva among us, compassionate to the nth degree, funny as hell, literate and articulate beyond my dreams. Steve taught me how one can truly live more full in each and every moment. He is teaching me still.

April 19, 2015

Our cousin Steve died suddenly, and I cannot come to terms with his death. He was such a vibrant person, and was loved by so many. When we met Steve and Mary for dinner I smiled all the way home. He lifted my spirits. I miss him very much, knowing I cannot go to my computer to find a message from him there. Our heartfelt condolences to his cherished wife, Mary, and his sister Carol.
Renee and Sid Parker

Jane Cartmill

April 19, 2015

Steve was one of the first brave voices for animal rights in San Diego - a kind and compassionate man who inspired me to become an activist. He leaves behind a meaningful legacy in his poetry and teaching. It was a privilege to know him.

Jane Cartmill

April 19, 2015

Steve was one of the first brave voices for animal rights in San Diego - a kind and compassionate man who inspired me to become an activist. He has left behind a meaningful legacy in his poetry and his teaching.

Tom Stoup

April 19, 2015

A great human being. Ill miss him.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results