A memorial service for Kahu Sherman Thompson will be held at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin on Sunday, July 14 at 5 p.m. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. The service will be in the Hondo, our main sanctuary space.
Please note that although the temple address is 1727 Pali Highway, access to parking at Hawaii Betsuin is from the other side of the temple, 1742 Lusitana St.
Kahu Sherman Thompson was a beloved member of the Honpa Hongwanji sangha in Hawaii and had longstanding ties to both Lahaina Hongwanji and Hawaii Betsuin. Kahu Thompson was the guest speaker many times at Hawaii Betsuin, most recently in December 2023 at a Commemoration Service for Mary Mikahala Foster. We have posted excerpts from that talk to the Dharma Talks section of our website.
Here is a bio of Kahu Thompson based on one that appeared in connection with the Mary Foster Commemoration Service:
Kahu Sherman Thompson retired from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus after serving for 47 years, the last 5 years as the school’s chaplain. As Chaplain, Sherman was responsible for the religious educational services program at the schools, as well overseeing the operations of the School’s chapel facility, Bishop Memorial Chapel which serves the campus community and alumni. Previous to that he served in the school’s boarding program as an advisor and head advisor. He also served many years as Associate Chaplain. After retirement, Sherman took up residency on the Island of Kauai.
Over the years, Kahu Thompson served at various churches in Honolulu: Kaumakapili Church, Kalihi Moanalua Church, and Nuuanu Congregational Church. In addition, he’s provided spiritual support and consultation to many Honolulu financial institutions, Waikiki resorts, and commercial and retail establishments, as well the US Navy and US Army. He was often called upon to officiate at weddings and memorial services.
Kahu Thompson was also a strong advocate for interfaith endeavors and served on many boards in the Honpa Hongwanji organization, including as a trustee of Pacific Buddhist Academy. He was an instructor in the Dharma Light Program sponsored by Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. His public service included years on the State Civil Defense Advisory Council during Governor Ariyoshi and Governor Waihee’s tenure.
Having been raised a Buddhist since early childhood in Lahaina, Maui, Sherman was a member of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, which recently lost its temple and adjoining facilities, including the minister’s residence, to the Lahaina Wildfire in August 2023 along with most of Lahaina. His family’s residence, two blocks away from the Lahaina Hongwanji temple, was also consumed by the Lahaina wildfire.
Kahu Thompson attended Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Pacific University, and UH Manoa.
According to an obituary notice published in the Star-Advertiser, there will also be a service for Kahu Thompson on Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. at Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel on the grounds of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus in Honolulu, with visitation at 9 a.m.
The funeral was held at Kahului Hongwanji on Maui on June 29, 2024. On that day, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii conferred upon Kahu Thompson the INGO (posthumous title) of KO-MYO-IN (光明院), meaning Radiant Light.