Abraham Perry Halvorson

We are heartbroken to announce that Abraham Perry Halvorson, age 19, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Riverside, CA. He was an incredibly loving, generous, thankful, and encouraging son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend.

Abraham was born to Dan and Lesli (Overstreet) Halvorson in Oak Harbor, WA on December 8, 2003, the youngest of 4 children. Born into a US Navy family, he spent his earliest years on Whidbey Island and then in Fort Worth, TX. At age 9, when his parents became missionaries with Africa Inland Mission, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya where he would spend almost half of his life amongst a culture and people he embraced and loved.

As a young boy, he developed a keen interest in sports, observing and working to master many. We all remember him famously asking his Mama at the age of 3, while staring up at a wall of balls at the local sporting goods store, ‘Mama, can you just leave me here?’ He loved to learn new sports and activities and was often found with a yoyo or Kendama in his left hand, or a skateboard under his feet mastering his latest trick. He bicycled across America twice in his 19 years, the first time at the age of 8 on the back of a tandem, the second time at age 18. Both times with joy and encouragement for those cycling alongside him every pedal of the way.

As he developed into a young man, his academic capabilities shone through, and he was frequently a top student across his classes. His teachers consistently remarked that he was an enthusiastic student and a ‘joy to teach’ as he made it a regular habit to thank them for teaching him. He loved reading and learning about all kinds of subjects leaving him in awe of God’s wonderful creation. He graduated from Rosslyn Academy in 2022 and then went onto California Baptist University, where he began his studies in Computer Science.

While accomplished both in sports and in the classroom, it was not these achievements that made him stand out. Rather, it was the essence of his character. Abraham was known for his genuine love for others. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He had many a friend refer to him as their ‘best friend’ as he faithfully stood by people through thick and thin. He was intentional, this summer spending regular time with his grandparents knowing that in their aging years he may not have much time left with them. He lived a life of thankfulness, consistently telling teachers, Kenyan security guards, family, and friends the many things he appreciated about them. He was incredibly inclusive, looking for ways to draw in those who felt they were on the outside. He was the first to welcome many into situations in which he himself was a newcomer. He loved to make people laugh with his quick wit and cheeky grin, leaving people with a lasting smile on their faces from the words he’d spoken. He was probably best known as an encourager, one who came alongside others to give them words of wisdom and truth beyond his years.

Most importantly, Abraham loves Jesus and confessed him as his personal Savior. He publicly professed his faith in Christ through the waters of baptism on April 29, 2018, before family and friends. He continued to walk with Christ, encouraging others to do the same, for the rest of his life. He loved his church families, especially AIC Ngong Road in Nairobi where he worshiped for 8 years singing Kiswahili songs of worship to the Lord.

In his brief 19 years on the earth, Abraham made a huge impact on the lives of so many. He lived a life of purpose, intentionality, and joy. He loved generously. He truly was a precious gift from the Lord to each one of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you’ve made with us, Abraham. We miss you, we love you and we anxiously await our reunion with you in heaven soon.

He is survived by his parents, Dan and Lesli (Overstreet) Halvorson, his siblings Jon Michael Halvorson, Sarah Halvorson and Lydia Halvorson, his grandparents Ken and Linda Halvorson and Perry and Joyce ‘Mike’ Overstreet, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, all who love him dearly. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Chuck and Barb (Durham Overstreet) Rathbun.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Abraham Halvorson Memorial Scholarship Fund set up by his family. This scholarship fund is set up through Heritage Bank.

To donate to the fund, make checks payable to Daniel or Lesli Halvorson. Please note in the memo line deposit to ‘Abraham Halvorson Memorial Scholarship Fund’. These can be deposited at any Heritage Bank branch or mailed directly to the family.

Donations can also be made through Venmo to account name @Daniel-Halvorson-2 with the last 4 digits of his phone number being 0838. Please note in the memo that it is for the Scholarship Fund.