Gaius Felipe Roehnelt, 20, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2026. His passing was unexpected and heartbreaking. He was deeply loved.
Gaius was born December 20, 2005 in Seattle. Cerebral Palsy took his ability to walk and talk and restricted his movements. However, G spoke with sounds, facial expressions, self invented signs, and communication switches. His smiles and giggles lit up the room and being greeted with his enthusiastic dolphin kick was a great joy.
Gaius loved music including jazz and classical. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was a frequent choice. He often would sing or dance along inventing his own moves. Gaius liked watching videos and listening to books and stories. He used switches to entertain himself and others with electronic toys. His favorites created a variety of sounds (emergency vehicle sirens, train whistles, plane engines, horns), the noisier the better. Gaius liked to help others, especially in the kitchen running the food processor or kneading dough on his wheelchair tray.
Gaius was social and enjoyed being with friends at school and summer day camps. He was known for his sense of humor. He would often jump into conversations emphasizing someone’s point, enthusiastically agreeing with opinions expressed, or laughing at the irony in a situation. In addition to friends and family, G connected with many others in his life, including school staff, medical professionals, and caregivers.
Gaius was a student in the Shoreline School District. He attended Meridian Park Elementary School , Kellogg Middle School, Shorewood High School, and the Shoreline Center Adult Transition Program. His school experiences included close relationships with his 1:1 para educators throughout his school years. G received excellent care from rehabilitation therapists, teachers, bus drivers/aides, nurses and other school staff.
When life became stressful, Gaius found comfort in music, the hot tub, a nap, or a good foot rub. Being outdoors was a favorite way to take a break. He loved going on an adventure whether a walk around the block, a fast ride on the skateboard ramps, or a ferry trip to Whidbey Island.
Gaius leaves behind his mother Janet Del Aguila, his father Sean Roehnelt, his grandparents Rod and Sylvia Roehnelt, his uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of other family and friends. Gaius was predeceased by his grandparents Petra and Felipe Del Aguila. G is sorely missed and we hold him close in our hearts.
Arrangements by Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/gaius-roehnelt-12689293
