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Welcome to the memorial page for

Ernest Keiwo Tabata

October 8, 1930 ~ August 10, 2015 (age 84) 84 Years Old
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Message from Joe Grams
April 27, 2019 8:29 AM

SGM, Through your dedication to teaching every 18C, you had more impact in all SF ODAs than anyone in SF. You are in every conversation about the Q course. Know that your knowledge was put to good use, doing "good work", downrange. I know this would make you smile. I regret passing up that instructor job you offered me but I had to go "do good work"downrange,, you know the deal. See you later, Thanks.
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Message from Earl Jules
January 6, 2016 2:29 PM

Continue to miss you, my friend. . .
Message from Arif Zaky
August 31, 2015 11:53 AM

Ernie: A great friend, a great recon team leader, and a soldier's soldier. Rest in peace my friend
Message from Arif Zaky
August 31, 2015 11:42 AM

Ernie: A great friend, a great recon tm leader, and a soldier's soldier, rest in peace my good friend
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A candle was lit by Rogers and Breece Funeral Home Staff on August 25, 2015 9:05 AM
Message from John Cappel
August 23, 2015 1:00 PM

SGM...you were an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known you...rest in peace Warrior after a life well lead!
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A candle was lit by Mollie Nielsen on August 21, 2015 3:54 PM
Message from Earl Bleacher
August 21, 2015 12:00 PM

I'm sorry that I couldn't attend any of the services. Ernie was a friend of mine for over sixty years and he will surely be missed. God bless his family.
Message from Steve Osinski
August 20, 2015 3:44 PM

RIP, Ernie. You taught me what it meant to be a "real demo man". DOL
Message from Carmen Zamora
August 20, 2015 6:36 AM

I am the daughter of the late CSM Adrian A. Rodriguez, Mr. Tabada was a great friend to my dad and fellow SF soldier.
From our family to yours our love and prayers go out to all of you.
We send our love and are here for you. The SF family never forgets.
Message from Chico DeLaGarza
August 19, 2015 12:31 PM

God’s speed Ernie. The legend will be missed, but never forgotten.
Message from MAJ (Ret) Jim Zieba
August 19, 2015 9:30 AM

Always sad to hear that a former teammate has passed on to that Valhalla reserved for all Special Forces warriors. Especially sad in the case of a living legend in his time, which Ernie truly was. Rest in peace, CSM!
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A candle was lit by MAJ (Ret) Jim Zieba on August 19, 2015 9:20 AM
Message from Brian Jones
August 18, 2015 11:18 AM

Your wisdom and friendship will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for the knowledge you have passed on to me and legions of others that went through the 18C course.
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A candle was lit by Brian Jones on August 18, 2015 11:14 AM
Expression of Sympathy

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A SOFT AND SWEET MEMORIES    STANDING SPRAY was sent on August 18, 2015

To the Tabata Family: Ernie will continue to be an inspiration for centuries to come. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you during this time of sorrow, but let's celebrate his life as well. Ernie always remembered me for some reason, referring to me as "Kling". L&R, Max & Colleen Klinger

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A candle was lit by Jerry R. Bailey on August 17, 2015 12:41 PM
Message from Jerry R. Bailey
August 17, 2015 12:40 PM

Ernie, you are one of our SF GIANTS, I first met you as a young NCO at the Q Course, and years later once again coming through in the Detachment Commanders Course. You were, and will always be amongst the "Treasures" in Special Forces history. RIP Sergeants Major!
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A candle was lit by Wes Carter on August 17, 2015 8:50 AM
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A candle was lit by CW4(Ret) Ron Lauck on August 16, 2015 5:41 PM
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A candle was lit by CW4(Ret) Ron Lauck on August 16, 2015 5:41 PM
Message from BG(R) Rich Mills
August 14, 2015 2:01 PM

Ernie you set this young soldier on the right path many years ago and continued to be my most important mentor. You helped make me become the officer I hoped I could be. Your impact on Special Forces will always be remembered. The most profession soldier I have ever know. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Expression of Sympathy

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A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on August 14, 2015

With deepest sympathy to the Tabata Family. I have very fond memories of spending time with Ernie and his family as a child. Amiko Allen (Daughter of MSG Gary Allen, Ret, deceased)

Message from Juan Valeriano
August 14, 2015 12:13 PM

Mr. Tabata, for me you were the kind of professional and person that I wanted to be. You are known throughout our Special Forces community and will be greatly missed by everyone. I will see you later Mr. Tabata! Thank you for everything.
Message from Chris Nawotniak
August 14, 2015 11:30 AM

Ernie, Thanks for being such a great mentor, friend and advisor on so many SF subjects. You gave yourself, your experience and your knowledge to all of our SF brothers, especially our advanced demo experts. Your legacy will live on ,forever in our hearts. Rest in peace brother. De Oppresso Liber!
Message from RV
August 14, 2015 3:07 AM

Rest in Peace brother. God bless you and your family.
Message from Army Ranger
August 14, 2015 12:14 AM

I do not know CSM Tabata. As far as I know I have never served with him. I do however know of him. His dedication to this country's defense is something to truly be in ah of. He gave more to his country in his lifetime than most entire families combined.


As you walk through the valley of death fear no evil because you sir are the baddest man in the valley.
RIP Mr Tabata and may your family know that there are thousands of men that have been made better because of this man.
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A candle was lit by S. Gordon on August 13, 2015 11:03 PM
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A candle was lit by Geof and Marchita Owen on August 13, 2015 10:19 PM
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A candle was lit by Cesar M Orozco on August 13, 2015 10:01 PM
Message from Martin Ortega Jr
August 13, 2015 7:54 PM

An era now gone as this warriors tour of duty ends at this station, and begins anew assigned to heaven's battalion.
Depart now Warrior on your unaccompanied tour,we salute you.
He leaves behind in each of us the best of what he was. Those of us who remain behind, remember,and continue to remember, because he now resides forever in our hearts.
De Oppressor Liber.
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A candle was lit by Martin Ortega Jr on August 13, 2015 7:31 PM
Message from Bob Kucera
August 13, 2015 6:36 PM

Rest in Peace CSM, it was a pleasure and an honor to know you. Thank you.
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A candle was lit by William "Rich" Richardson on August 13, 2015 3:48 PM
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A candle was lit by SPR on August 13, 2015 3:41 PM
Message from T.C. Rupert
August 13, 2015 3:38 PM

Erine, you lead the way as a soldier and civilian.Your reputation built your legacy.Rest In Peace CSM
Message from Paul Fisher
August 13, 2015 12:52 PM

It was my privilege to have learned from Ernie, and to have to worked along side with you. DOL brother!
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A candle was lit by MSG (Ret) Paul W Fisher Jr on August 13, 2015 12:50 PM
Message from Joe and Lauren Adams
August 13, 2015 12:34 PM

George, and other family members... Lauren and I offer our condolences to you and your family in this time of grief. It's obvious that Ernie was very much loved and respected by those of us whose lives he touched over the decades. He did so much for so many, and I am proud to have known him, to have worked with him, and to be his friend for so many years. We will all see him again one day... and he'll have that big smile on his face when we do.... I will miss your Dad greatly....
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A candle was lit by Joe and Lauren Adams on August 13, 2015 12:28 PM
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A candle was lit by Don Mayo family on August 13, 2015 11:54 AM
Message from Powell Parks
August 13, 2015 11:45 AM

Ernie, you were a credit to our profession, a true leader, and a great friend and mentor. A star has fallen from our SOF universe. You will never be forgotten.
Message from CSM (Ret) Mel Lyles
August 13, 2015 11:37 AM

Rest in Peace Ernie. You are the epitome of a true SF soldier and warrior. You will be remembered as one of the greatest SF ever had. Until we meet again Brother.
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A candle was lit by Bill Huestis on August 13, 2015 11:20 AM
Message from Bill Huestis
August 13, 2015 11:19 AM

Ernie,

I will always be grateful for everything you taught me as a student and fellow instructor. You are loved and respected by everyone who has gone through the 18C Course and you are a true legend! Pappy Jones used to tell me, "If Ernie Tabata would write a book on his life, he would never work again, but that's not Ernie Tabata." Rest in Peace SGM!
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A candle was lit by Joe Pak on August 13, 2015 9:54 AM
Message from Dennis Oglesby
August 13, 2015 9:50 AM

I can still remember the words Ernie told me during the "improvised explosives" testing in 1987......"SGT Oglesby, don't blow us up!". He is one the great ones, Rest in piece Brother, others have the watch.
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A candle was lit by Dennis Oglesby on August 13, 2015 9:47 AM
Message from Glen McNulty
August 13, 2015 9:45 AM

Thank you Ernie, rest easy warrior.
De Oppresso Liber
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A candle was lit by Sean Weeks on August 13, 2015 9:30 AM
Message from Max Klinger
August 13, 2015 7:39 AM

I will always remember Ernie as the "Go to Guy" when it came to SF Engineering. Great instructor, person, friend, and leader who will be sorely missed. Words cannot explain the pain I feel in my heart for the loss of this great American Soldier. My condolences go out to the entire Tabata family at this time...Max
Message from ADOLPH "PITUFO" REYES
August 13, 2015 7:23 AM

RIP SGM. You were the best ever. Special Forces lost a legacy and a true brother. You will never be forgotten as long as we share our memories of you so you will live on forever. Thank you for all your support and friendship. Keep a running password for me and we'll see each other again one day. DOL.
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A candle was lit by Stephen T Aden on August 13, 2015 6:52 AM
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A candle was lit by James Starek on August 13, 2015 12:30 AM
Message from Blue
August 12, 2015 10:43 PM

Rest in Peace Warrior.
Message from Bill Yeider
August 12, 2015 10:40 PM

Rest in Peace CSM, it was an Honor to know you. You are missed, until we meet again
Message from Mike Williams
August 12, 2015 10:29 PM

Ernie, you will forever be in my heart. You helped make me who I am today and I am forever grateful. Thank you .
Message from Gary Shimizu
August 12, 2015 6:49 PM

Ernie, Thanks for blazing a path for me to follow. I was blessed to have you as a friend and mentor. Mahalo and Aloha, Bruddah.
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