Kingston Cassell
2010 – 2026
Spokane, Wa

Kingston was born in Spokane, Washington, on November 6, 2010, and from the very beginning it was clear there was something extraordinary about him. He was brilliant, creative, funny, and deeply unique in the most beautiful way. At just four years old, Kingston was diagnosed with autism. While he faced challenges throughout his life because of it, he never allowed it to define or limit him. In many ways, autism became his superpower. It gave him a mind unlike anyone else’s, one filled with imagination, intelligence, passion, and creativity far beyond his years. Even as a little boy, Kingston would come up with ideas, inventions, and projects that amazed the adults around him. His way of thinking was rare, complex, and truly special. Music became one of the greatest outlets for Kingston’s incredible mind and soul. He began playing instruments while attending Odyssey Middle School, a school for gifted children, where his natural musical talent quickly stood out. Starting with the clarinet, he soon mastered the saxophone and later the tuba at Lewis and Clark High School, where he proudly participated in band as a freshman. But Kingston’s love for music could never be contained to just one instrument. Entirely self-taught, he learned to play the flute, trumpet, drums, ukulele, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and piano. His greatest love, however, was the electric guitar. He spent countless hours teaching himself new techniques, creating music, and recently even began writing and producing songs of his own. Kingston’s intelligence extended far beyond music. He had an incredible ear for language and culture, teaching himself Japanese through his passion for anime and becoming one of the top students in his Japanese class at Lewis and Clark. His curiosity and determination even led him to begin learning Russian as well. He loved computers, video editing, traveling with family, and rollercoasters, especially the biggest and scariest ones he could find. At only 9 years old, he mastered solving a Rubik’s Cube and challenged himself endlessly until he achieved an impressive best time of just 35 seconds. He was endlessly driven to learn, improve, and explore the world around him. Above all else, Kingston was deeply loved by his family. He was the cherished younger brother of his 22-year-old sister, who loved him more than words could ever express, and the protective older brother to his 10-year-old brother, who looked up to him with endless admiration. The bond they shared was unbreakable. Kingston brought laughter, energy, intelligence, and love into the lives of everyone around him. Though his life was far too short, the impact he made in just 15 years is immeasurable. He will forever be remembered not only for his remarkable talents and brilliant mind, but for the love, light, and uniqueness he brought into this world.