Jason Marcel Kies

Jason Marcel Kies was born to Marcel and Patricia McNicholas Kies on March 12, 1969. He was the second of our siblings born with Down syndrome. He was also autistic. He met his challenges with the courage and grace of the innocent. He knew no other way. He learned to sign at an early age, held simple jobs, and was encouraged to reach his highest potential.

Early in his life, Jason moved to his group home where he met and made his lifelong best friend in fellow resident, David. Their sweet interaction and the way they cared for each other couldn’t help but touch your heart. It is hard to explain their relationship. Neither one, to the ‘normal’ eye, would ever understand how they navigated their bond in the most loving and kind ways without a word ever spoken between them. David misses his best friend.

Jason loved to be outside, walking for hours on the backyard path designed especially for him. When it was too cold Jason would stand with his face pressed against the window pane; his own wonder of the world soothing his senses.

Jason thrived and lived his best life due to the unconditional love and dedication of his group home caretakers. As a family, we loved him and spent many precious times with him. But what his caretakers taught him and brought to his life is so much more than we could have done without them. We are forever grateful.

The following words are from one of his caretakers, Jerri Hargis:

“Dear family,

Here are some of my thoughts and memories.

Jason was one of a kind. He had a special way of bringing those around him a sense of calmness and peace. When I first went to Liberty ( Jason’s group home) 4 years ago, I got to know Jason and David. Jason loved to stand up, while holding staff's hands, and sway back and forth while staff sang to him. Usually, a nursery rhyme or a short song. I treasured those times that Jason would do that with me. If he was comfy in his chair with his blanket, I would get down on my knees to be eye level, and he would let me rub the top of his hands back and forth. I would just talk to him about how he was doing and that I had missed seeing him. Sometimes I would get a response after I was talking such as him signing for juice, lol, but Jason knew what I was saying to him. Jason would sign his needs/wants to staff but I also think his eyes could talk to you. They shined bright with his kindness and warmth.

During the nicer weather, Jason loved being outside looking at the trees or leaves on the ground. He loved to have the breeze on his face and loved his swing. He would constantly open the front windows in the living room, each time sticking his head out to look around outside. Then he would go sit back down in his chair.

The relationship between Jason and David was also special. Although they didn’t interact on a daily basis, it was incredible to see how much they truly cared for one another. For example, if one was sick the other one was right there to try to make them feel better. Both had even tried to drag each other out of bed when they were sick or didn’t feel good.

Jason had amazing staff support during my time with him at his Shangri-La group home. Angelica, McKayla, Randi, and Paloma just to name a few. We all loved Jason and are forever grateful that we were able to be a part of his life. “

Please Join Us in Celebrating Jason's Life: 

Mass St. Rose Catholic Church, at 11 AM on May 10th, 2024.

Committal Service at Mt Calvary Cemetery in the Garden of the Resurrection at 12:30 PM on May 10, 2024.
(Committal to take place in the Cemetery Chapel in the event of inclement weather.)

Celebration of Life Gathering to follow at 1 PM on May 10, 2024 at:
West Coast Drinkery and Pizzaria 
4704 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Portland, Oregon 97225