HARVEY BURNETT BOYKIN

Harvey Burnett Boykin, born on September 28, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, passed away on April 15, 2024, in Lancaster, California, at the age of 65.

Harvey was raised in Pacoima, California.  He attended Filmore Elementary and Charles Maclay Junior High, both located in Pacoima.  He graduated in 1976 from John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California.  Harvey had an unshakeable religious faith and devotion to God, with prayer playing an immense part in his life.  Harvey attended Calvary Baptist Church in Pacoima where he joined the choir and became a Junior Deacon.

Harvey had an amazing sense of humor, and loved to make people laugh.  He also loved to talk, and always made everyone he met feel comfortable and appreciated.  Harvey thoroughly enjoyed barbecuing and cooking for his loved ones.  He was the ultimate host, always considerate and thoughtful of others.  He never left the house without a hat/cap; his collection was unmatched!

Harvey always knew at a very young age that he felt different from other young men. He soon came to terms with his homosexuality. It was a time of deep reflection and realization for him. He was conflicted due to his loving devotion to God. Harvey understood he would either be accepted or rejected, and he joyfully cherished those who accepted him fully.

Harvey was a resilient individual who faced challenges with unwavering determination. In his first job, he devoted his time to working with the developmentally disabled at Villa Esperanza. His career path then led him to custodial maintenance at Lockheed Aircraft in the early 1980s, where a near-fatal incident tested his strength. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Harvey's faith and perseverance saw him through a difficult recovery at the Grossman Burn Center.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.