Dirk Nakazawa

Dear Nakazawa Family,
I just heard of Dirk's passing from the Hill Alumni Magazine where my daughter is attending. I became Dirk's friend in France during the Summer of 1986 where we lived as brothers "from different mothers" in a French home in Lacanau-Ocean (near Bordeaux). We had lots of fun memories of playing Tennis, biking through miles of remote pine forests to get to the beach and windsurfing on the lake like Miami Vice. We had some great memories establishing our oenophilic...

I remember Dirk from Middlebury. He was in my class and, though I didn't know him personally, he was very friendly and liked by so many. Like Dirk, I graduated from Middlebury, struggled with substance abuse, and was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder I at the age of 38. Reading about all Dirk has done for mental health advocacy, I wish I had gotten the chance to talk to him. Living with bipolar disorder is a daily struggle and he shined a light on how difficult things can be for...

I send my deepest sympathies to Dirk's family following this tragic loss. The news of his passing hit me pretty hard. I am angry!!! Dirk and I were off and on friends over 15 years, having initially spent some time together in recovery. He was smart, passionate and courageous. He was a creative thinker always in search of fertile soil for his latest "seed" thought. Sadly, I am realizing only now all that he accomplished. We laughed a bit, shared meals, played tennis some and worked together...

My deepest condolences on your loss. Dirk and I were fellow midd kids and even though we lost touch over the years I have many fond memories of him and am thankful for him making my life richer. I hope Dirk is at peace, he will live on in the people he touched.

RIP Dirk :( fly free and do it in a Epic way .

I remember Dirk Fondly from the Hill School. So sorry for your loss and I hope everyone is able to adjust well to the loss of Dirk.

Dear Dirk's loving family,
I had the honor of meeting your most beautiful boy and want you to know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. We enjoyed many conversations together, in the short period of time I knew him. He was so passionate, kind, thoughtful and one of the most soulful spirits I was blessed to cross paths with. My heart is heavy with his passing, but I can only hope that he is finally free of pain. I leave a penny every day for his "give a penny cause", as I say a silent...

You have my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son. May it bring you a measure of peace knowing all that he accomplished. May God also provide your family with peace, strength and loving comfort. (John 5:25-29)

Dirk was a good friend, a great co-worker, and an amazing person. I so enjoyed co-teaching with him. I will dearly miss him.