The Roland Abiva Memorial Fund

Our dear friend Roland Abiva of Graham, WA lost his life in the surf while launching his kayak to fish the Washington State Halibut opener on the 14th of May 2015. He was a very seasoned waterman with extensive experience and all the correct equipment. Conditions that day were plenty good. He hadn't been feeling well and he didn't want to let that stand in the way of doing what he loved with his good friends and loved ones. Aid came almost instantly and a well trained group worked tirelessly until EMTs arrived, but he was gone. 

 

The place where this accident occurred was very special to Roland and his family. So special in fact that Roland had preselected this spot to be his final resting place when the time came. 

 

To honor his wishes we have created a Go Fund Me account so that a memorial bench and a plaque dedicating it to Roland's memory can be purchased and erected on "his spot" where he pitched his tent every time he visited his favorite place. 

 

We also want to include lodging at the campground for his immediate family, son, mother, sister and brother and the purchase of a pig to roast up for the affair.

 

The costs involved in this endeavor we expect to run approximately $2,000 to $2,500 with construction materials, however we have set the goal much higher as whatever we can raise above the cost of the memorial will be put into a fund for Roland's 17 year old son Dean to help him with his future educational endeavors. 

 

Roland was a founding member of the NW Chapter of Heroes On the Water and competed in numerous kayak fishing tournaments from Shelter Cove, CA to Depoe Bay, OR and in his local region. He will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters of the NorthWest Kayak Anglers, NorCal Kayak Anglers and also by those in the Heroes On the Water family. Please join us in honoring our beloved fallen friend.

 

The date for this memorial is still TBD as more family are still arranging their travel plans to honor their Son of Guam.

 

R.I.P. Roland