Patrick Astafan
1973–1994
Patrick William Astafan was born in 1973, the beloved only child of Peter and Alice Astafan of Sacramento, California. His father, Peter, retired after 35 years of service so he could spend more time with Patrick, and doted on him deeply.
As a young man, Patrick gave himself generously to others. He was an active member of the Cordova Church of Christ, and the church's children especially loved him for creating "Billy Bible," a character he used to teach, encourage and entertain kids at camps and church activities.
At 18, Patrick was diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia. He died two years later, in April 1994, at the age of 20.
His passing brought immense sorrow, but his memory and influence live on through two scholarship funds established in his honor.
The Patrick Astafan Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Administered by Oklahoma Christian University, this award began at Cascade College, then a branch campus of OC. Each year it goes to one or more students from the Cordova Church of Christ and the Sacramento area, and it has given more than 50 young men and women a Christian education they might not otherwise have been able to afford.
The Patrick Astafan Balanced Man Scholarship
Established at the Cal Theta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at California State University, Sacramento, this scholarship has been awarded to dozens of deserving young men.
Knowing that Patrick's spirit, service and legacy continue to change lives brought great comfort to his father and family.