Cason King Phd.

Cason Robert Douglas King PhD.

Our beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend, Cason King, passed away suddenly on August 11th, 2022, at the young age of 32.  Our family was not expecting for Cason’s life to be cut short so soon.  We are heartbroken and devastated by this huge loss and we know that the world will be a bit dimmer without his bright smile, quick wit and fearless presence.

Cason was the first child born to Sherry and Doug on September 14, 1989, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.  As a child, Cason loved all sports, especially hockey, soccer, track & field and cross country running.  And he was fast!  This led to his passion for completing marathons, triathlons and Ironman competitions.  Cason loved school and always gave 1000 %.  This led him towards the University of Western Ontario and Dr. Joseph Mymryk.  Here Cason obtained his PhD. in microbiology and immunology -graduating with distinction in 2018.  Cason immediately joined Dr. Andrew Mehle’s lab at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, as a post doctoral fellow, thus furthering his research in medical microbiology and immunology.

Cason loved to travel, especially with his love, Eva.  Together they visited Guatemala, Madeira Island, many many European countries and numerous Canadian and American cities.

Cason was a gifted public speaker.  Dr. Mymryk explained to Cason’s parents that he was the only student to win the RGE Murray Seminar Award, 4 consecutive years, for delivering the best presentation in a graduate seminar course - an accomplishment never done before.  Cason’s PhD. thesis, “Functional and Structural Mimicry of A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins by Human Adenovirus E1A”, was so well written, that it needed no corrections.  In Dr. Mymryk’s career, he tells us that he has never seen a PhD. thesis that required no revisions.  Cason’s expertise in science and language, led to his publishing of 11 scientific papers, with another one being currently considered for a major scientific journal - a very strong contribution to the scientific world in just a few short years.

While working in Dr. Mehle’s lab, Cason developed a high, risk-high reward project to create novel ways to dissect how influenza virus interacts with the cells it infects.  In essence, Cason changed the way the science field thinks about cellular response to influenza virus infection.  Using this project, Cason obtained the highly competitive and prestigious Open Philanthropy Fellowship from the Life Sciences Research Foundation.  The Foundation clearly recognized the exceptional potential in Cason and his research.  Cason enriched the lives of so many, guiding and shaping his friends’ careers, mentoring young scientists both at Western University and the University of Wisconsin and volunteering his expertise and time both in the lab and at numerous national and international conferences.

Cason’s love for sports, travel and science is only surpassed by the love he had for his family.  Cason’s mom and dad, Sherry &  Doug, brother Bryn, sister-in-law, Kara, and nephew, Kaidan, grandmother, Denise, and partner, Eva, will miss him dearly.

Cason and Eva were life partners.  They shared a uniquely special bond, loving each other incredibly deeply and honestly.  Their presence in each other’s lives was what kept them grounded through the highs and lows of life - whether this involved talking about their days over Skype or the long awaited and much treasured in-person visits.  Together they shared a bright future.  They had exciting plans for a life together, which was an incredible motivator for them both.  Cason was the most caring, supportive, hilarious, charming, selfless partner to Eva and his passing leaves an unfillable void.

Cason’s beloved black lab, Kessel, will surely miss his best buddy and the special bond that exists between a boy and his dog.

Cason was a runner.  He knew that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place.  It means getting the best out of yourself.  One of Cason’s greatest joys was completing the race and inspiring others to perform at their best.  We’re so sorry, Cason, that you did not finish your race here on earth.  We love you dearly and you are leaving us with an emptiness that is beyond words......you are our pride and joy.....forever our loving, strong, passionate, courageous and beautiful son.

You will never be more than a thought away. For as long as there’s a memory, you will live in our hearts to stay.  With pride and love.....mom and dad.❤️������