Jacob Kekoa Bautista

Jacob Kekoa Bautista, at 14 years old, passed away peacefully in his home on July 28th, 2024. He was born on October 23rd, 2009, in Torrance, to Brandon and Adrien Bautista. He had few words as a child but managed to make his way into the hearts of everyone he came into contact with. Jacob was very fond of books and this started at a very young age. A couple of his favorite books were Eric Carle’s Brown Bear and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. These remained his favorites throughout his years. He was a proud student in the Torrance Unified School District. He recently completed his 8th grade promotion from Calle Mayor Middle School. Jacob was loved by his teachers, aides, nurses, therapists, and fellow students. Even the wildest of his classmates would slow down then gently touch his hand, or even kiss him on the forehead. He was so pure and innocent and just had this way about him. What was loved by many was his squealing contagious laugh during a favorite song, or an “all done” on his eye gaze communication device at the very start of a non-preferred activity. In his later years, we learned how brutally honest he was. If he could he would let you know how he was feeling, with literally no filter. Rather than take offense to this, everyone that had an opportunity to experience this thought that it was just the most hilarious thing. Despite his many disabilities Jacob was always such a happy boy. He absolutely loved being outside to go on walks, just roaming around and exploring, or watching leaves and flags blow in the wind. His challenges first became apparent around the age of 3. He worked so hard from then on in order to keep up. When the physical decline began, he kept going and always with a smile on his face. When the pain came in his final weeks and days, he struggled to keep it at bay. He never complained and never gave up. He stayed strong and fought until the very end. He made the best of everything and brought out the best in everyone. He lived a beautiful life with his family that was filled with love, laughter and sacrifice. He is survived by his parents Brandon and Adrien, and his brother Dominic.

In lieu of flowers, donations for Jacob's memorial fund to help support the Bautista family would be greatly appreciated: https://www.gofundme.com/f/assist-jacobs-family-with-memorial-expenses