In a story that has been well-documented over the years, Mr. Kosaka was the “Japanese Associate” often referred to by Pro-Mark founder Herb Brochstein when recounting how the company started in 1957. After discovering Japanese white oak sticks that felt and sounded like no others, Herb set out to find the source.

Referring to that search in a recent interview, Herb said,

\"The man from the Japanese trading company who helped me find the factory that made those sticks is Tat Kosaka. We’ve been working together since 1957 on a handshake.\"

Tat Kosaka served as liaison for all company activities in the Pacific Rim until his death. He is survived by his wife, Machie, daughter Chieko and husband Yossi, daughter Chikako and husband Tetsuo, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In a statement, Pro-Mark president Maury Brochstein said,

\"Tat was a huge part of this company. We might well not exist today were it not for his dedicated efforts early on and in the 50-plus years that followed. We will miss him.\"

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society online at AmericanCancerSociety.org or by mail at P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.