In Memory . . . Rev. Gene Bridges (1929-2008)

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Gene Bridges. He died peacefully on January 3, 2008 at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 78.

Mr. Bridges was born on January 27, 1929 in Moville, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Southern Methodist University in 1951. After practicing law in Dallas and Des Moines, Mr. Bridges entered Starr King School for the Ministry, graduating in 1959. He was ordained by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Tacoma, WA, on January 10, 1960 and served that congregation for 3 years. He then served the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, HI from 1962 until 1970.

Mr. Bridges returned to the practice of law, creating The Divorce Clinic to provide low cost legal assistance to persons of limited income. He also owned and operated Bed & Breakfast Honolulu (Statewide), the largest Bed and Breakfast association in Hawaii. According to Rev. Mike Young, Mr. Bridges was a stalwart supporter of civil rights, racial justice, and peace. The Hawaii ACLU’s first phone was on his desk and he had marched in Selma. He managed to influence and change a lot of lives during his career and will be deeply missed.

Surviving Mr. Bridges are his daughter, Beth Eileen Bridges and his sons, Adam Parker Bridges and Channing Meier Bridges and four grandchildren. His wife, Mary Lee Tsuffis, preceded him in death in September 2003. 

A memorial service took place at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Please send messages of remembrance to his children at 3242 Kaohinani Drive, Honolulu, HI 96817-1020.

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