Abe was born in Hong Kong and raised in Tucson, AZ. He graduated from the University of Arizona, and then began his 36-year career at The Arizona Republic in September 1989. He was a reporter for many years before becoming an editor and eventually a columnist on the newspaper’s editorial board. Throughout his career, he held multiple roles in AAJA at both the local and national levels, including chair of the Media Watch Committee and vice president of print. He helped build and sustain AAJA’s Arizona chapter and served as a mentor to members nationwide. He was also a longtime Voices student convention project leader who inspired many to go into journalism.

Abe unfortunately passed away on February 15, 2026 after a long battle with cancer, but his accomplishments and impacts will never be forgotten.