Abe Kwok, Death,Obituary,Editorial Page Planner for azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
It is with a heavy heart that we note the passing of Abe Kwok, who died peacefully today, surrounded by family. For over three decades, Kwok was a steadfast pillar of Arizona journalism, most recently serving as the Editorial Page Planner for azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic.
His career at The Republic, beginning in 1989, was a masterclass in dedicated local reporting. Kwok’s early years on the police and courts beat, covering Phoenix City Hall and Maricopa County, grounded him in the essential issues affecting the community. He brought that same meticulous care to criminal-justice reporting and a wide array of general assignments, always seeking the truth that served the public.
In his pivotal role overseeing the editorial page, Kwok became a curator of Arizona’s civic conversation. He skillfully managed staff and guest columns, ensuring a diverse and robust forum for ideas and debate. His work shaped opinions, challenged assumptions, and informed countless readers.
Beyond his professional rigor, Abe Kwok was defined by an insatiable curiosity. A Tucson native, he spoke of constant wanderlust and held an aspirational goal to learn something new each day. This lifelong learner’s mindset infused his journalism with freshness and depth.
His absence leaves a profound void in Arizona’s news landscape. Abe Kwok’s legacy, however, is etched into the stories he told, the discourse he nurtured, and the journalistic standards he upheld with quiet, unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed.
I am truly saddened to hear of Abe’s passing, he was one of the best. I first met Abe back in 1989, he was the police beat reporter for the Republic and I was a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department. We interacted daily. What started as a professional relationship morphed into a personal friendship over the years. Abe was a true professional who exercised journalistic ethics in all that he did. I will miss my friend.
God Bless his family.