Remembering Bo: A tribute from Steve Mann

Bozant “Bo” Katzakian passed away last week.

Bo was a friend of mine (and hundreds of others in town), a former mayor, a Lodi icon.

Soon after learning of Bo’s death, I asked Steve Mann, a former mayor himself and a local historian, to share some thoughts on Bo.

Steve grew up near Bo’s home in downtown Lodi and was a good friend of Bo and his family.

I used some of Steve’s thoughts in the obituary we published on Bo last Saturday, but felt many in the community would like to read them in their entirety. 

Here are Steve’s words:

Bo Katzakian was Mr. Lodi.

Every generation has its pillars. For me, Bo Katzakian is one of those pillars. Few people have contributed as much to Lodi as Bo Katzakian. Also, few people are as highly regarded as Bo.

 

Bo invested his whole life in Lodi, serving on countless community boards and committees, including the city council. He was a tireless supporter of and cheerleader for Lodi, contributing large amounts of his time and money in the city he loved so much.

 

Advanced in age and long after most men would typically retire, Bo was still working and contributing–many times behind the scenes–towards the betterment of Lodi.

 

Katzakian and Schaffer was one of the most enduring and successful business partnerships in Lodi’s history, a testament to quality of person Bo was.

 

Indeed, the name Katzakian is synonymous with Lodi. Bo is the patriarch of the Katzakian name in Lodi, which has been an enduring symbol of strength, integrity and quality.

 

When I think of Bo Katzakian, I think of someone with boundless wisdom and sound advice. While he had the wisdom of a wise grandfather, he was ageless. Bo was someone you could count on to help chart a straight course, offering wise counsel in just the right way.

 

Bo’s endorsement was much sought after, but sparingly and carefully given. Bo preferred to remain publicly apolitical, but would generously support the people and causes in which he believed.

 

I grew up next door to Bo and his family. His son Reggie is one of my best friends. Bo loved boats and fishing. I remember one time in the early sixties going water skiing for the first time with the Katzakians at Lodi Lake. With Bo at the wheel, he tried mightily to get me up on two skis, but alas, it was not to be. After several tries, ending with me being dragged under water for 50 feet, Bo decided some people are not meant to water ski.

 

When I owned and operated a local newspaper, Bo and his real estate company were faithful advertisers. This was not so much because he realized a great return from the ads, but because he wanted to help local businesses prosper. It was his way of giving back to the community.

 

When my own father died in 1970, Bo was one of the first to comfort me and my family and to offer support during those difficult days. My family and I have never forgotten his kindness.

 

 

Bo will be missed. He was genuine. But, as we all know too well, all good things (and people) must pass.

 

Steve