Abe Hidalgo Kalsbeek

Abe Hidalgo Kalsbeek

Abe Hidalgo Kalsbeek, age 30, passed away Monday, April 12 at home in Aiken, South Carolina. He was the loving son of Mr. Paul Kalsbeek and Mrs. Julita Kalsbeek of Aiken, loyal brother to late ENS John U. Kalsbeek.

Abe was born June 13, 1989 in South Hill, Virginia. He graduated in May 2007 from Aiken High School and was a 2011 graduate of USC Aiken, where he studied psychology and pursued his passion of writing. He was the literary editor for Broken Ink, the student-led visual and literary arts magazine, and helped organize events with the school’s Guild of Poetic Intent. After graduation he continued to contribute to scholarly studies in the field of psychology, and delved further into the art of poetry. He frequented open mics and was a featured speaker at poetry gatherings, becoming well known in the Southeast for his incredible writing.

Abe will be remembered most for his passion for helping people. His interests revolved around improving the world for those around him. He was known as a humble, happy man, who would help his friends if it meant taking the shoes off his own feet so they could stand. He was close to his cousin Loreine Untalan Waldemarson, a steadfast son to his parents Julita and Paul, and an unwavering friend to many.  Abe attended Grace Covenant Church of God, New Ellenton, SC.

Upon the passing of his brother in 2013, Abe and his mother Julita organized “Team John” to support the Aiken Out Of Darkness Walk, sharing awareness of suicide prevention. In this giving spirit, Paul and Julita ask that donations be made to South Carolina Humanities in Abe’s memory to support others in their pursuit of writing & storytelling.  Donations can be made online at:

https://schumanities.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/86170/Default.aspx

A memorial to Abe’s life will be held when gatherings can resume after health concerns have dissipated.  COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (118 BY PASS) AIKEN, SC, 29801. 803-648-7175. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.com.