Kienan Spero Creskin Votolato

How to describe such a kind, gentle human being is beyond my ability but I will do my best as Kienan’s mother to speak of the greatness that was and still is Kienan. Although they are gone from us physically, Kienan’s silly, creative, loving essence is still all around. It’s too big and powerful to be taken from this world. If you ever want to join us in that loving energy, take a moment to stop and look at the sky, to think about a world that is safe for all who exist and think about ways you can make someone else’s life better. Take a long drive around your favorite lake and play a mix of your favorite songs that helped you reach that very moment or one of Creskin Votolato’s playlists off Spotify. Take time to care for a loved one by making them homemade soup (Kienan’s favorite to make was potato leak) or cuddle with your little furry family creature on the couch for hours watching Miyazaki movies. Let the stress of the world take a back seat and call a friend and ask how they are doing - then listen. Take a sketchbook outside and capture what you see. These are many of the things that Kienan loved to do… Yet, knowing Kienan I guarantee they would say “you do you and that would honor me the most”.

Kienan was an incredible Artist who spent most days immersed in a sketch book. They loved art and music as a daily practice and refuge from the hardships of life. Kienan made some incredible playlists you can find here: https://open.spotify.com/user/sodamotor. Kienan truly believed that being a great artist was not something you were born with but had to cultivate by working hard at your craft. They inspired me as a painter and everyone around them with their endless hours of dedication to becoming the best artist they could. We will deeply miss all the family holidays and downtime together where we created paintings, music and silly projects together.

Kienan’s dad Rocky wrote many songs inspired by Kienan over the years. Some of the more popular of these were “Tinfoil Hats”, “Streetlights”, “Lucky Clover Coin”, and a new song released after their death called “Becoming Human”. This latest song is now a posthumous love letter that honors Kienan’s deep kindness and gentle nature. Rocky is very grateful that Kienan got to hear the song before they passed and that they knew how much they were loved, unconditionally.

Kienan passed away suddenly on December 6th 2021 at 9:28 pm after a tragic car accident. We are so grateful for those who acted so quickly in aiding Kienan and calling 911. Because of these heroes Kienan was taken immediately to Harborview Hospital and admitted into the ICU burn unit where they were treated and cared for until they passed away surrounded by loved ones. We offer our unending gratitude to the doctors at the burn unit and in the ICU at Harborview. Because of their dedication and care we were able to be with Kienan as they left this world.

Kienan is survived by their Mother and Father April and Rocky Votolato, Sister; Autumn Votolato, Grandparents; Tina and Spero Papantos & Cathy Lundstedt. Aunts and Uncles; Sonny, Brandi, Cody & LJ Votolato, Stacy LeBurn, Michealanne Jerome, Dave Larson, Tammy and Jeff Rosen, Rene and Jennifer Devantier, Kylisa and Chris Howard, Kirstin and Yura Vracko, Kemp and Angie Lundstedt. Cousins and Best Friends Peren, Ivy, Carissa and Jaida Votolato, Arianna Mattis, Nimh Mesmer, Hunter, Sophie and Jake Rosen, Katie Blackburn, Hunter Garcia, Moose Vracko, Jackson, Grayson and Samson Howard, Henry and Rose Lundstedt.

Although our hearts are shattered by the loss of Kienan we know it’s because of how deeply we loved them. Our family was unprepared for such a loss and we are eternally grateful to all who have reached out to us with support as we grieve. We will always miss Kienan and might never truly understand why we had to lose them at such a young age, but we are determined to honor Kienan’s life and legacy of kindness and unconditional love for all around. We will continue to celebrate Kienan’s life by focusing on the gift that their 22 years on earth were to us, and not on the tragedy of how they died.

All our Love-

April, Rocky and Autumn Votolato