Michael and Grandson
I am profoundly saddened to inform you that Dr. Michael Kozlow passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Some of you may know that Michael won a battle with Lymphoma in the past; however recently, he had re-developed a blood disorder and suffered from a perforated ulcer. He died peacefully, with his family at his side, due to complications arising from the perforated ulcer surgery.
Michael’s legacy in field of large-scale student assessment spans four decades. I first met Michael in 1986, when he hired me to work with him in the Learning Assessment unit of the British Columbia (B.C.) Ministry of Education. From B.C., Michael moved to Toronto, where he provided assessment expertise to the North York Public School Board (former City of North York) and subsequently the Assessment Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Education. After several years in Ontario, Michael and family moved to Portland Oregon, where he worked with the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, eventually making his way back to Toronto, where he served as the Director of Data and Support Services with the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). Michael retired in 2014 and relocated once again, this time to Port Alberni on B.C.’s Vancouver Island. Always interested in the performing arts, Michael headed up the Alberni Classical Concerts Society, arranging for artists (vocalists and instrumentalists) to perform for the community. With the birth of his grandson, Michael and his wife returned to Toronto to be close to their extended family.
Michael was an experienced and highly respected psychometrician and was an amazing colleague. Those of you who had the privilege of working alongside Michael will appreciate him for his wisdom and caring good nature, and he was always supportive of and a wonderful mentor to co-workers. Michael Kozlow was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word – a gentle man. Michael’s family indicates there will be no funeral and requests privacy at this difficult time. Please, take a moment to remember and appreciate Michael, our dear friend and colleague.
RMJ ASSESSMENT 