Kevin Lee Parham

He was born Tuesday, January 15, 1991 in Bakersfield, California. He was born premature and only weighed three pounds when he was born. He wasn’t expected to live. In fact, Kevin stopped breathing once in the arms of his older brother, but the medical staff at the hospital was able to revive him. And that started the story of a man who faced many challenges in life, but tackled each with determination and a positive attitude.

Kevin spent a lot of time travelling across the West Coast, included Arizona, Oregon, Utah and Nevada before he joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as an E-3.

He had a sharp mind. He was the chess champion at his middle school, but he was much better known for his athletic abilities. He also had an independent spirit. He would often turn down rides to school, preferring to ride his bike 10 miles in each direction.

In high school, Kevin was an avid swimmer, he played water polo, enjoyed snowboarding and surfing, and really enjoyed BMX riding. He would have likely gone to college on a water polo scholarship if he hadn’t shattered his foot while BMX riding in an empty swimming pool.

Kevin worked a number of odd jobs between high school and joining the Coast Guard. He worked briefly at Walmart, he worked the oil fields in the Upper Midwest, and he even worked as one of those folks you see spinning a sign out on the sidewalks.

However, while bouncing between jobs and states, he never lost sight of his passions. In his spare time, he attended Mt. San Jacinto Community College where he earned three degrees. One in art, photography and humanities. Kevin always had a passion for art and photography, and actually considered working for National Geographic.

He was a person of faith, and deeply held to the teachings of the LDS church. He also had a heart for helping others. He could often be found volunteering and helping his friends or church family with whatever they needed. He especially liked working on cars. He was handy and would often help his friends with their car problems.

While Kevin enjoyed helping others, he wanted more out of life. He wanted to be a rescuer and dedicate his life to helping others, so he decided to enlist in the Coast Guard, which was quite a surprise to his family, but they supported him 100 percent. Before the Coast Guard he had hair down to his shoulders and definitely had the California surfer look going for him with a hint of the Big Labowski., so he would be the last person you think would join the Coast Guard, but join he did. He entered basic training on April 02, 2018 and graduated on June 01, 2018 and reported to Sector Delaware Bay.

Kevin wanted to be a life saver, but color blindness kept him from being a Boatswain’s Mate, so he shifted his sights to one of the support ratings that make operations happen – The Store Keepers. He would have started A-school on October 15, 2019.

Kevin was a fighter who overcame odds from the day he was born to survive and succeed. He lived an active life, never too tightly tied to a given job or location. He was not afraid to follow his passions and he was devoted to his faith and friends. He was quiet, but upbeat no matter the challenge he faced. He dedicated his life to others and he found his purpose in the Coast Guard.

Indian spiritualist Shirdi Sai Baba made an observation that reflects Kevin’s life:

• Life is a song – sing it

• Life is a game – play it

• Life is a challenge – meet it

• Life is a dream – realize it

• Life is a sacrifice – offer it

• Life is love – enjoy it

He is surviving is his mother, Linda Engen, sister, Nicole Engen, brothers, Randy Willie and Ryan Engen.