DAVID W. CHAPPELL / 1940-2004

Professor structured life
around Buddhism

David Chappell: He helped found the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies in 1987

David W. Chappell taught about Buddhism for more than 30 years, was involved in Buddhist organizations and fostered mutual understanding among religions.

Chappell was emeritus professor of religion at the University of Hawaii and, since 2000, was a professor of comparative studies at Soka University of America in Los Angeles.

He died Dec. 2 in Laguna Hills, Calif., at age 64.

"He was an advocate for engaged Buddhism," said Rose Nakamura, administrator of Project Dana. Chappell was on the board since the 1989 founding of the organization, which is now a network of Buddhist and other denominations supporting frail and elderly people.

"He encouraged us to get involved in the community through our project," she said. Chappell taught about death and dying from the perspectives of different cultures, a series attended by many Project Dana volunteers, she said.

"He spearheaded Buddhist-Christian dialogue while he was in our department. We had several international programs of which he was the prime mover," said the Rev. Alfred Bloom, who was also on the UH Religion Department faculty.

Chappell was a founder of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies in 1987 and editor of its journal. He wrote extensively about Buddhism. His specialty was Chinese Buddhist tradition.

"His scholarship was impeccable, well respected around the world," said Bloom. "He seemed to have boundless energy. He did creative work on programs and conferences, and he was in demand as a speaker. He never came out and said he was a Buddhist; he was very spiritual, with good insight and sensitivities toward people."

He is survived by wife Stella; son Mark; daughters Laura and Gwen Demitria, Cindy Rice and Jeannie Barnes; brother Gordon; and five grandchildren.

A Honolulu memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin Hawaii. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the David Chappell Dialogue for Peace Foundation, 25602 Alicia Parkway No. 203, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-5309.