Buddhist minister, author Ruth Tabrah dead at 83

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Rev. Ruth Tabrah, an author and Buddhist minister, died Thursday at Arcadia Retirement Residence. She was 83.

Tabrah was a minister at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and became an authority on the history of Buddhism in Hawai'i. She served as president of the Hawai'i Association of International Buddhists.

She moved two years ago to Arcadia, where she organized Buddhist services to mark obon, hanamatsuri and other festivals.

Her 1995 novel, "The Monk Who Dared," is based on the life of Japanese Buddhist sage Shinran Shonin, founder of Shin Buddhism, but her writings covered a wide range of topics. There were children's books as well as nonfiction about Hawai'i, including "Hawaii: A History," published in 1984.

Tabrah was born in Buffalo, N.Y.

She is survived by sons, Joseph and Thomas Tabrah; brother, Robert Flock; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, with the service at 4:30 p.m. Aloha attire; no flowers.

Arrangements are by Hosoi Garden Mortuary.

Reach Vicki Viotti at 525-8053 or at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com.