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David Adam Kobos
July 24, 1943 - July 25, 2019
David Adam Kobos passed away July 25, 2019 surrounded by his family.
He was born July 24, 1943 in Salem, Mass., the eldest son of Joseph and Frieda Kobos. He graduated from Harvard with a major in Russian History and received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Reed College. He then taught at Milwaukie High School in Oregon and at P.S.2 in New York City. In 1969 he met Susan Kryewinske in New York City. They were married in 1970 and honeymooned by climbing Mt. St. Helens. In 1973 they started The Kobos Company, a retail and wholesale coffee and cookware business in Portland, which they operated for 43 years.
Lovingly labeled "the consummate host" by his friends, David enjoyed cooking vegetables grown in his own garden and baking bread. Visitors to the house would be serenaded by the geese, chickens and sheep that happily roamed the three acre farm. While making dinner, David would talk about the latest farm story he was writing, recite a favorite poem, or count down the days until the next Ducks game.
David is survived by his wife, Susan; his siblings, Donald and Tricia; his children, Adam, Nora and Julia; and his four grandchildren.
A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Kaul Auditorium at Reed College. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to The American Heart Association.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
My memory of Mr. Kobos .... one of my favorite teachers at Milwaukie High School. I didn't know he had passed away. Rest in Peace.
Pat Bartch (Patricia)
School
October 14, 2022
I just ran across this obituary for Dave Kobos. So sad to learn about his passing. He was my History teacher at Milwaukie High School and later on lived just up the street from me. I babysat for Adam and Nora. I'm not sure Julia was around yet. One of my favorite teachers.
Jacque (Jackie) Wherley Douglas
School
September 6, 2022
My father worked the Christmas season at the John's Landing shop in the 80s, and my family were invited to the Kobos home for several company picnics. I fondly remember the farm, games, smiles, and barrels filled with ice and Hansen's sodas. I know my dad loved working at Kobos and I now imagine he found a kindred spirit in Mr. Kobos. When I grew to a teenager I often visited the downtown store for a delicious cappuccino. Thanks for the kindness you showed my family!!!!
Patrick Gaughen
November 14, 2019
I can imagine how hard this is for Susan and for the whole family. David had such a huge impact on the Portland coffee scene. His influence will never pass away. God bless you, David! And, Susan, our hearts go out to you.
Patty Roberts
Friend
October 21, 2019
fred brace
September 12, 2019
David was a wonderful man who touched so many of us with his enthusiasm, kindness and his love for living to the fullest. I will miss him, but feel gifted because whenever I think of him it is impossible not to smile!
Mary Herrmann
September 9, 2019
I first met Dave when he and Susan were looking for a location for
coffee shop. He was one of my first tenants in The Water Tower @
Johns Landing and one of the most successful.
I treasured an invitation to be a guest at his home and experienced a
fabulous meal and experienced his warm hospitality. I will always
have some wonderful memories of him.
JOAN salisbury
August 23, 2019
Dave was always warm and welcoming whenever I visited Susan, my college roommate. His love of life and his laughter were infectious! And his enthusiasm! I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I am sure that wherever he is now, it is a happier place for his presence.
Vicky Griswold
August 22, 2019
A life well lived will always be my memory of Dave! From the US History class he taught us at Milwaukie High School, to visiting him in NY City where he was teaching 3rd grade as part of a group of teachers who signed in there to make a positive impact, Dave was always about making a difference. I am sure he had the same influence on his business associates and employees too.
My condolences to the Kobos family as I know Dave will be greatly missed by you as well as those of us he taught at Milwaukie! He will certainly continue to be present in my mind and heart as he is unforgettable - not only a great teacher with a remarkable mind, but also a great person. I still tell stories about Dave's unorthodox methodology to my friends in education! Only an idealist and activist goes from teaching high school in a homogeneous middle class suburb to then teaching 3rd grade while living in the same impoverished, diverse neighborhood as his students in NY.
I am thankful for his mentorship to me personally, his college guidance, and for his authenticity and openness to us as coming of age teenagers! Thankful, I had the opportunity to be taught by Mr. Kobos in the fall of 1966, some 53 years ago! Dave, May You Rest In Peace. Gone but never forgotten!
George Crace
August 18, 2019
A couple of years ago I took a pizza class with David at Bob's Red Mill. Somebody in the class asked him his favorite kind of pizza to make. David got a HUGE grin on his face, and a twinkle in his eye, and said the BEST pizza is when the grandkids come over to his house, each has their own pan, and they make pizza together. He said there is no better tasting pizza then when u do it with the grandkids.
Debbie Gardiner
August 18, 2019
David Kobos, and the Kobos Co. will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up at the Kobos Co., getting my first job there out of high school in the fall of 1991, and continuing to work there until 1998. I had the opportunity to work at 5 of the stores over the years, with Washington Square, Downtown at Broadway and Alder, and John's Landing being my home stores. I am sending all my love to Nora, Adam, Julia, and their families, and of course to Susan. Thank you for sharing him with all of us through all of the years. I would not be who I am today without the huge family David set his table for. Dzikuj Ci.
Stedman Bailey
August 17, 2019
David Kobos Was my favorite teacher at Milwaukie high school! He had the ability to make history come alive. I remember staying after school with a few of my friends in his classroom as we discussed how History shaped our future... he had a brilliant mind and the ability to take complex historical facts and communicate them in a way that was easily understood. I will always remember that 50 mile hikes! Every time I passed one of his stores I would smile Godspeed Mr. Kobos
Mark Hoyt
August 16, 2019
Don Kobos
August 16, 2019
Don Kobos
August 16, 2019
Nora Kobos
August 16, 2019
Nora Kobos
August 16, 2019
Nora Kobos
August 16, 2019
Nora Kobos
August 16, 2019
Nora Kobos
August 16, 2019
Martha Rutherford
August 15, 2019
DAVE KOBOS had an immense impact on my life and my decision to become a nontraditional history teacher and later a business person in the arts: contemporary art (eponymous gallery)and music (Wonder Ballroom). His daughter Julia worked in my gallery for awhile while I was in the Pearl. Sad to hear this news.He was a great person indeed and had an impact on SO many. Love to his family.... Mark Woolley
Mark Woolley
August 15, 2019
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
August 14, 2019
Words can not express my deep sorrow. I was blessed to know David. He will be greatly missed.
August 14, 2019
One of my favorite high school teachers. He didn't care as much about memorization as he did about critical thinking. A great laugher and storyteller. And a darling fellow.
Richard Storm
August 14, 2019
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