Today marks the final day that UC Davis’ flags will be at half-staff in honor of Professor Keith Aoki, who passed away from illness on April 26. He was 55.
“He is known to his colleagues, students and staff as a caring and gentle – and brilliant – individual,” said Kevin R. Johnson, dean of the UC Davis School of Law in an announcement. “King Hall will never be quite the same without him.”
Aoki earned his B.F.A from Wayne State, his M.A. in Fine Arts from Hunter College, his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his LL.M. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Before he joined the UC Davis faculty in 2007, he taught at Columbia, Boston College, Lewis & Clark and the University of Oregon School of Law.
In addition to having published work in legal journals, Aoki also wrote and illustrated two legal books in comic book style – Bound by Law and Theft: A History of Music.
“Keith has touched our community in a special way, and he will greatly be missed,” Johnson said.
Details about a memorial service will be announced at a later date, Johnson said.
Janelle Bitker
Information from the UC Davis School of Law News
