Albert Joel "AJ" Kamau Kanyoko

It is with deep sadness that we announce the promotion to glory of Albert Joel Kamau “AJ” Kanyoko. Kamau passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington (WA), USA.

Kamau was born in Lowell, Massachusetts (MA), USA on March 16, 2004 to John Kanyoko and Jane Thuo. He lived in Lawrence, MA as a newborn and soon moved with his family to Springfield, MA. He spent his early years running, biking, and playing with classmates and close family friends. In 2013, at age nine, he lived briefly in Pelham, New Hampshire (NH) before moving to North Andover, MA. Kamau graduated from North Andover Middle School in June 2018, where he built deep friendships, developed a bright and confident personality, and discovered a talent for debate through the school’s debate club.

After middle school, he moved to Bothell, WA. Kamau graduated from North Creek High School in June 2022 and later attended Cascadia College. He explored academic interests in electrical engineering and computer science, alongside a personal interest in psychology.

Kamau was grateful for opportunities to travel and explore new experiences. He traveled to Kenya four times during his life, most recently in July and August of 2025. During these visits he spent meaningful time with his maternal grandparents, cousins, and nephew at his mother’s childhood home in Nyathuna, Kenya. On his first trip he met his paternal grandfather, and has since spent a lot of time at his father’s childhood home in Nakuru, Kenya. Kamau also traveled to the United Kingdom twice to visit his paternal aunt, uncle, and cousins, most recently in the spring of 2024. In the summer of 2024 he visited Los Angeles, California (CA) for a sunny family vacation.

Kamau was a lifelong athlete who played soccer, basketball, and track and field, and he enjoyed snowboarding during the winter months. He was an avid gymgoer and weightlifter known for his dedication to health and fitness. He also developed a deep appreciation for the arts through rap music, anime, action films, video games, and the electric guitar. Kamau had a strong interest in fashion and enjoyed stylish clothes, shoes, tattoos, and colognes. He loved spending time with his family and friends watching movies, playing video games, bowling, cooking, and sharing TikToks.

Throughout his life Kamau was supported by large and vibrant communities from school, church, and a large extended family. He was kind, playful, and endlessly generous with his time, encouragement, and care. His warmth and spirit touched many lives, and he will be remembered with love by his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11am at Acacia Funeral Home 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155.

A reception will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2pm at the Empire Banquet Hall 21222 30th Dr SE Suite 110, Bothell, WA 98021.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions can be made to the following:

CashApp: $jesnter (Jessy & Joe Karasha)

Zelle: 425.404.1911 (Georgina Njuguna)