this was in highschool, ~2004 when a group of our friends went to SF for the day to do sightseeing and spending time being lost trying to figure out the public transit.  
pictured: Kiely, Jonathan, Marcus, Ruensern

Kiely, I'm greatly saddened to hear that you're gone.  Even through our interactions were short between our double dates and trip to Hawaii,  I want you to know that I'm grateful to have met you in this lifetime. There was a moment I think of when I think of you. When we were at the udon restaurant in Hawaii, and Jenny didn't have very many vegetarian options, you decided to also eat the same vegetarian option "in solidarity" with her.    :' ) I thought it was very sweet, and it epitomized your empathy and kindness. I hope you're doing good up there.  Thanks for being here.

Dear Kiely,
Thank you for being a good friend and for keeping me company at work, my fellow GuideSpark writing buddy (Halloween photo) and then later at Sage Intacct (what a coincidence!). I remember after a large meeting on our first day at GuideSpark, turning around and seeing your friendly face. You quickly became a work confidante, trusted friend, and food truck partner. You were always good company, a great listener, and generous with help and time. You seemed to have an empathetic heart that made sure no one was left out. I can see that your kindness comes from your family. They raised a child with a golden heart. You will be truly missed, my friend. Until next time ❤️

Dear Kiely,

I don't know where to start. When I found out you were gone, I was in complete shock. I was coincidentally in the Los Gatos area during the time I found out.  I hadn't been there in years and memories of you came rushing back as I remembered your memories you told me like how you would frequent the Downtown Los Gatos area with your family and how when you were little, you would play at the Oak Meadow Park and pretend to shoot at bad guys in the big U.S. Air Force Plane in the middle of the park. That memory always made me laugh.
    Just days or a week before the tragic news, you posted on Instagram how you were running around the streets of San Francisco with a weighted vest like an Olympic athlete and nodding "Sup", to the only other crazy guy who was also running with a weighted vest and I thought, "Haha. There goes invincible Kiely." 
Hence, when I realized the sad news, I couldn't believe it was true. You seemed truly unstoppable. You've always been so full of life and I've always remembered you to have a warm positivity that surrounded you everywhere you went - along with your witty humor.

My favorite memory of you was on Christmas day when we were playing Charades and you had to act as Adam Sandler, so immediately you pointed somewhere and yelled, "You're gonna die clown!!!" I thought that was the most hilarious thing ever, because it was one of your favorite movies. 

I didn't realize the impact you had on me and my life and I just wanted to tell you: Thank you for always being the kind and awesome human being you always were. Your genuine personality and heart was contagious and I'm devastated that we can't talk about anymore cat stuff or can't hear anymore of your humorous remarks. I'll truly miss you Kiely. Thank you Beth and Gary for raising an amazing person who made a difference in this world. 

That one time we played sloshball on Thanksgiving day. We were all soaked with beer at the end of the game! You held the winning ball! 

That time outside Spaghetti Factory when we were celebrating the holidays. 

That one time when I taught you how to make sushi. You were so ecstatic knowing you made sushi that could've easily been $50 at Safeway. Haha!

It was always nice to hang out and have family time together.

When we would goof around just for the fun of it. It was always fun whenever you came over. You made the house more lively. Miss you buddy.

Kiely,  

I will never forget the words of encouragement you have given me over the years in all my up and downs. A few months after I dropped of Oregon state I was extremey lost and confused about life. In those following and years felt like a failure all the time. Throughout the years you would continue to remind how I wasn't failure in life and encouraged me. It was those little conversations about life that really help change my views about my own life's path. Though we didn't talk much, I will always cherish the times we did get to talk, go to music shows and hangout when we had the chance.

Thank you for letting me be apart of your life Kiely.

You will me missed.

Kiely - I met you when you were just weeks old.  Kate (who was just 4 at the time) was holding you on her lap.  I remember looking at your parents and thinking how happy and proud they were - a family at last!  That's the picture of you our family willl treasure in our memories forever.

With love - Caroline and Rich

Kiely worked as a technical writer for a company in Sunnyvale where I was a trainee in two departments.
Looking back now, somberness about a workplace-across-departments is that when someone does their job really well and it helps my team do our jobs well, as is the case with technical writing & documentation for pretty much every department in an organization, I really needed to grasp that chance at that time to say "thank you for doing what you do well": to Kiely and his teammates Ariel, Manju, Kavita and Loraine.  
Thank you, in this time of grieving, goes to the parents Mr. and Mrs. Omura and to the community of family & friends surrounding, who impacted Kiely to do the job well. 


Kiely was one of a kind person with a heart of gold. I appreciated your drive,  perspectives, realness. You told things straight, and I and those you touched, were better because of that. I remember the chats we had, learning about your work, dreams, personal concerns, etc and feeling a sense of peace in your presence. Thank you for being the star in mine and your friends', family's, lives! You are missed greatly! 

Kiely was the nicest guy. I still remember him offering to babysit my future (now 1 year old) daughter when I was pregnant and I knew that he genuinely meant it. That’s the thing with Kiely, he was the most thoughtful and sweet guy even with his interesting sense of humor. I wish you could have met Lyla and Edie liked you too which is pretty good for Edie. You will be dearly missed Kiely! 

Kiely was one of my favorite roommates in San Francisco. We first hit it off over a shared interest in existential philosophy, and cats. I have a lot of fond memories with Norrie and Kiely was always an upstanding, fair, kind, and funny guy. We kept in contact after we moved out, and had made plans to meet up. I wish they could have came to fruition, but I am glad to have known him for the time I did. rest well

I wish I had the photos I used to have of us. We both went to UC Davis and we met through Eduardo and Becca and I saw their photo in your memories and I was there in our friend group at that same time.  I could have easily been in that photo. We used to hang out in downtown Davis and have drinks and talk about life and debate politics and I've lost so many stupid Facebook accounts that we lost track of each other. Or I lost track of you. I had you as a friend request on this latest account and I just saw I was added today. And I found out why. So much love and so much sadness over so many missed days... and so much appreciation for the time we spent and how you embraced me as a friend even though you met me through a friend. You were that kind of guy. You made room for all of us. You gave love even while you struggled. I'm sitting here with a little buzz, crying just a little bit, wondering how I can get to your funeral, disappointed that I let us drift. Travel well, brother. See you on the other side. 

Kiely, 
I don’t know where to begin or how to even process your loss. In the grand scheme of things, our time together was brief. But knowing that in the 36 years of your life, I had the opportunity to be in your orbit for even 1 year of that time, I am eternally grateful. You impacted me in so many ways, and showed me endless patience, kindness, and and generosity even when I didn’t deserve it. You were so brave, even through all of your hardships. You cared so fiercely and deeply for those you loved, and you were never afraid to show it. You were truly a rarity among us all. If everyone was more like you, the world would be a better place. I wish I could tell you that I will forever cherish every single moment we had together, every coffee we shared, every John Mayer song we sang together in the car, every cat meme we laughed over, every walk we went on together. Thank you for being in my life, I can only hope that I’ll be lucky enough to see you in the next one. 

-Jenny 

My deepest condolences for Kiely and his family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Kiely through mutual friends a few years back and was always impressed by his hospitality, generosity, sarcasm, and wit. I will miss Kiely, and I pray for peace for him and his family.

Joe

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend, Kiely Omura. It is never easy to lose someone we hold dear, especially when they have left such an indelible mark on our lives. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

Kiely was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. From our high school days, he brought an infectious energy and a vibrant spirit that could light up any room. His zest for life, his contagious laughter, and his genuine kindness were qualities that endeared him to all who had the privilege of calling him a friend.

I will forever cherish the memories we shared with Kiely, from the late-night study sessions to the spontaneous adventures we embarked upon. He had an uncanny ability to find joy in even the simplest of moments and effortlessly brought happiness to those around him. Whether it was his quick wit, his unwavering support, or his contagious smile, Kiely had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved.

Losing Kiely leaves an immense void in our lives. The pain we feel is a testament to the impact he had on our hearts. However, it is important to remember that his memory will continue to live on through the stories we share, the laughter we remember, and the lessons he taught us about living life to the fullest.

Kiely's light may have gone out too soon, but his spirit will forever shine brightly in our memories. May his soul find peace, and may you find comfort in the love and memories.

With deepest sympathy,

Your Amigo Sal

My condolences to Kiely's  family, friends, and Nori. I met Kiely just in the last year or so through some work projects. He was an incredible person, such a joy to spend time with and very hard working.  We talked a lot about the Vancouver food scene and our love of cats.  He will be dearly missed by his work family. 

My thoughts and prayers are with Kiely's dear ones on the loss of Kiely.  I worked with Kiely on a couple of projects which were quite intricate.  Kiely entered into the work with enthusiasm and energy and always delivered to move the whole project forward.  He brought a bounce and joy to the work day.

Kiely will be missed.  

I had the privilege of taking a class with Kiely at UC Davis for our Asian Voice class. We all talked, discussed, bond, and performed together. You will always live my memory. 

You are always a MOS family! 
Sincerely
Somsak 

Kiely always had a wonderful sense of humor and an unmatched zest for life and self-improvement, which was always inspirational to others around him. He was smart, curious, witty, and thoughtful. Kiely was a wonderful friend and person to have in one's life. I will always be grateful for the time spent and memories I shared with Kiely. He left us much too soon, but I hope he is with us as a star. 

Kiely - You were one of many friends I met early on during the Covid-19 pandemic, but you are one of the few friends I stayed close with and consider a best friend. Our lives paralleled, and we connected on the fact we both have black cats, attended UC Davis and graduated as 5th years, and were adopted from East Asia. To me, you were like a big brother, and I’m not sure how to process that you’re no longer here, as it was you I always turned to for advice and support, and we were there for each other through all our struggles and wins. I’ll think of you when I visit Vietnam next month, and I’ll never forget the positive impact you had on my life. 

I met Kiely through subtle asian adoptee traits facebook group's zoom calls. He was such a kind, funny, and intelligent guy. I really admired his life experiences as an older adoptee and bonding over silly memes and my aspirations to go to UC Davis for grad school. Although we did not know each other for very long, I am really grateful for having met Kiely. He is deeply missed, all my love to his friends and family and to his cat Nori.

Kiely was my roommate at UC Davis. He was always up for a chat, kind and open minded. A sweet young man turned into an incredible adult. I wish we'd remained closer over the years, but his memory will always be a blessing to me and my husband, Eduardo.

Kiely,

Macky and I are deeply saddened hearing we lost you. We found out we live close by in San Jose and had a really fun double date. I regret not having more of those double dates, missing more of that sharp sense of humor, your compassion, and genuinely being one of those rare, good human beings.  We consider ourselves lucky to have known you and our thoughts and condolences go out to the Omura family.

-Safyre and Macky

Rest in Peace, Kiely. I’m so sorry we didn’t get to see each other more often but I’m glad we were able to keep in touch over the years (this picture is from high school!).  My condolences to your family and all of your loved ones  and I know you’ll be dearly missed by all of us. 

Kiely was always the most energetic and positive person at the office!  He was such a joy to work with and has left a lasting impression on me that will never be forgotten!

Lee

Kiely - Five months have never seemed so short and five days have never felt so long. I keep waiting for you to send me a funny F1 meme or tell me how you're tired and need a coffee.  I keep wanting to text you or call to have you cheer me up because I'm sad, but now I'm sad because you're gone. You made yourself such a large part of my life even from across the country.  

You always lived life to the fullest and you always took the first leap. I'll carry those lessons and the memories we've made with me.    You were always better with words than me so I just hope you knew how much you mattered to me.  

Sending your family prayers and love during this difficult time.

Love,

Dianne & David Angel

Waiting in the rain in Seoul, South Korea for our tourist van to take us to the DMZ the summer of 2005

Kiely, you were the kindest soul that was really left too soon. I wish you knew how much of an impact you made in my life when I was going through things in my own life.  You literally saved my life, and I am always grateful for you no matter what. Thank you for everything, and I mean that… I’m still processing the thought that you’re no longer here, but I know you’re still here with me. I just wished you knew how much I miss you Kiely.. our friendship was pure and kind. I’m typing this, realizing heaven have just gotten the most purest angel and I can live with, knowing that. I hope you still watch over me even when you’re gone Kiely. Enjoy the scenery up there because I heard it’s beautiful… 

It’s still surreal to me that you’re no longer here, especially after catching up with you for Thai food recently in San Francisco. 

You’ve been there as my friend through so many seasons of life and I can’t thank you enough all of the advice, laughter, sarcasm, and everything we’ve gotten to share. 

I’ll buy us a drink at Trick Dog and say cheers from the other side, Kiely. Miss you, man. 

Dear Family and Loved Ones of Kiely Omura:

I remember Kiely when he was my student at De Anza College. I am an English professor there. Kiely was a student who like to think critically. He didn’t accept too simplistic thinking. Later when we were FB friends and he revealed more about his health issues, I appreciated how Kiely looked very philosophically on life and challenges and chose to take a more intentional positive and caring point of view. He inspired those of us who knew him by his outlook. May memories of him bring some peace and consolation to his family, and I send you all my sincere condolences.

Karen Chow

OBITUARY

Kiely Omura

November 15, 1986 – June 14, 2023

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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