Kai Robert Bishop

"In the midst of the sun, Kai longed to reach the stars. Far from home, but forever in our hearts, Kai has found peace & serenity. Fly our son to the farthest reaches of the universe. We will meet you on your journey someday."

Kai Robert Bishop passed away suddenly on Thursday September 19, 2019. He was only 16 ½ years old and for one so young, he was a remarkable, intelligent, compassionate, and accomplished young man. Right from the start, with his incredible smile and happy go lucky personality, we were blessed to raise this amazing son. He had a certain way about him, making those around him feel welcomed.

Kai was close to his older brother Finn, they had a bond that only brothers can share. They enjoyed their time together on family vacations, playing Stellaris and telling inside jokes their parents would never understand. Kai was known as a loving, compassionate and supportive friend, always ready and wanting to help make their lives better. He loved hanging out with his friends, playing VR, Minecraft, Dungeons and Dragons, and making others laugh with his quick wit, one liners and sharing his latest meme.

“Kai and his smile will forever be imprinted on our hearts. His silly jokes and discussions about astrophysics in the back of my car will be remembered always.” - Family friend

“Kai was such a great friend to all of us. We all changed for the better around Kai. We slept over together, hung out together, and had class together. He won't be forgotten, and we all loved him.” - Close Friend

Kai was always an inquisitive child and channeled that curiosity into many of the favorite things he grew to love. He was a Lego and Star Wars aficionado, or as Finn would say a “Lego hoarder” for he had 1000's of pieces. Building with Lego's led to many other creative outlets for Kai. He enjoyed drawing, learning to create video games and developing his 3D modeling knowledge. Kai's self discipline and determination to work hard in school was met with consistent A's. Understanding math and science came easily for him. He loved his Robotics classes. He was always grateful when his older brother could help him in English. Towards the end of 10th grade he passed the CHSPE and looked forward to attending Moorpark Community College in Fall 2019. He enjoyed the challenges with his classes, interacting with his professors and older students, but college life was a difficult transition for Kai. He missed his friends from high school and hockey. At one point he considered returning to Agoura High, but he decided to move forward with college. Kai was focused on his life's goal, a career in science that would take him to NASA and hope some day to travel to the International Space Station where he could conduct experiments in 3D modeling.

“I remember that Kai would tell me goofy science jokes and make origami figures, so tiny almost microscopic. He did not like doing HW but would ace every test.”

- Mrs. G, Science Teacher

“Kai was a perfect gentleman who made an effort to get to know me early in the semester. He said hat he'd never taken a English class that included science, and I took it as wonderful compliment. We also shared an interest in engineering, and talked about NASA'S Space Shuttle Program, and rocket engine design in general. I knew this was no ordinary young man” - Moorpark Instructor

Kai learned to ski, snowboard, rock climb and was working on getting his pilot's license. However, hockey by far was a consistent activity in his life. Chris taught him to ice skate when he was around 3. He played roller hockey for some time until transitioning permanently to ice in elementary school. He spent many hours at the Iceoplex, doing stick time with Chris practicing his skills and playing in house hockey for the Titans as a goalie. Kai also studied and achieved his hockey referee certificate. He participated in the Kings High School Hockey program playing JV level for the Outlaws in 9th grade and the Panthers in 10th grade. One of Kai's favorite hockey experiences was skating with his Panther's teammates at Staples Center in March 2019 to win the Derek Armstrong Cup.

“One of the best teammates and friend a person could have. Kai I'll never forget you!”

- Panther Teammate.

We are thankful to our immediate family, countless friends, the hockey, and school communities for all their love and support towards our family during this heartbreaking time. We are grateful to all the kind words spoken about Kai and have shared just a few of other's comments here but we welcome ALL of your stories about Kai. They mean so much to us.

Kai will also be missed by his grandparents, Gene and Freddie Amato, Dianne Bishop, Michael and Chris Bishop, his aunts and uncles, Angel and Les Raos and Liz and Bruce Tritch, and his cousins Allison De Vries and Jamyson Tritch.

Kai loved science and donations made in his name to The Planetary Society at www.Planetary.org would be appreciated. We are working towards building a hockey scholarship in Kai's name. If you are interested in donating or finding out more this scholarship, please contact Chris Bishop at [email protected].

Kai's family has set up a special page to share memories and tributes for Kai at www.forevermissed.com/kai-robert-bishop/about .