Kjell Johan Abrahamsen
Kjell was born in Seattle June 28, 1955 and passed away at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland last Monday with Mary Wilson at his side. He graduated from Ingraham High School in 1973 and was a member of the varsity football team. He went on to Everett Community College where he also played football for two years, subsequently transferring to Western Washington University and graduating in 1979 with a degree in history.
After graduation, he went crab fishing for two years in Alaska. For the last 24 years Kjell worked in the aerospace and defense industry, his last position being at Raytheon as a Senior Financial Analyst.
Kjell was a great sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed water skiing, coaching youth football, attending Mariner, Seahawk and Husky football games and following all of Western's teams. In addition, he had become dedicated to working out and physical conditioning. Descriptions of Kjell include: exuberant, unique and fun-loving, boisterous Norwegian.
In early June, Kjell was diagnosed with melanoma cancer and although he battled fiercely he and his medical treatments could not stop the rapid progression of the disease. His spirit during this time remained upbeat and positive, always acknowledging his condition when asked as, "I'm good." Kjell was supported and loved by his family and wonderful friends who stood by him during this time. He will be profoundly missed.
Kjell was preceded in death by his father, Carl A.J. Abrahamsen and his nephew David Landis Folkins, Jr.
Kjell is survived by his beloved son, Kaare Johan Abrahamsen, age 7, his proudest achievement, and also known as "mini me" of Moses Lake; mother Margaret Abrahamsen of Seattle; brother Ole and his wife Candace Abrahamsen of Camano Island; sister Carla and her husband David Folkins, Sr., and niece Dana Margaret Folkins of Seattle.
On Aug. 27 Kjell Abrahamsen and Mary Wilson were blessed by the church as husband and wife. Kjell is also survived by Mary and her children: Nick, Mandy, Max, Jack, Joey and Luke of Seattle.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 N.W. 65th, Seattle. A reception will follow. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Western Washington University, Evergreen Hospice and Ballard First Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Wiggins & Sons.
Private internment at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to send a memory of Kjell to his son, Kaare, for his memory book can do so by mailing mementos to 2700 Marina Drive, Moses Lake, WA 98837.