Beloved Gold Coast man Kienan Moore remembered fondly following cancer death

Kienan Moore — the man whose terminal cancer bucket list touched the hearts of thousands — has died aged 21, “surrounded by love”, just six months after his diagnosis. In their heartache, his family has paid touching tribute to the young larrikin.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21-year-old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’ and showing ‘strength, courage, loyalty and compassion for those he left behind’.

The beloved son, brother, friend, and husband passed away peacefully at Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast yesterday, March 8, about 2.52pm.

It is understood he was on heavy pain killers at the time and in a comatose state for night terrors and ongoing pain. He had been ‘asleep’ since February 27.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

Kienan —well known as a ‘larrikin’ who loved surfing, being outdoors, fishing, AFL, and having a laugh — put together a bucket list for his last six months back in December 2021. At the top – a promise to propose to the love of his life Olivia Hinz.

Kienan told Quest Newspapers he was the luckiest man in the world to have lived a life full of love, and to have found the love of his life so young.

“Every time I look at her it just brings me to tears, she’s so beautiful,” he said.

“I’m so grateful for the love and support of her and my friends and family.”

Kienan’s parents Nicole and David Moore said they couldn’t put into words how proud they were of their son.

21 year old Kienan Moore with his family at South Bank. Photo: contributed.

“Everyone has a story. Our story includes being the very proud parents of amazing children. Unfortunately part of our story includes watching our son Kienan leave us,” they said.

“We are so proud of the way he has handled how his story has unfolded. He did not let this change him as a person.

“Staying true to who he is and controlling how he would live the time he had. He showed strength and courage, but also loyalty and compassion for the people left behind.

“We will miss our late night chats, your strong opinions and most of all your smile. Love you son, to the moon and stars. Forever Mum and Dad.”

With the help of his ever-growing support network and those touched by his story, the young AFL enthusiast and sparky-in-training was able to tick off 27 items on his bucket list before retiring to the palliative care unit in February - where he stayed awake long enough to say his final goodbyes and be there for his best mates twentieth birthday.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

On January 11 Kienan married the love of his life, his long term girlfriend Olivia Hinz.

The wedding was a private affair, and the young couple were wrapped up in love by family and close friends.

Kienan’s best man Murphy Graham said his best mate always had his back.

“Since we were 12 years old we have shared many memories and I feel like I have gained a brother who I can share all of my problems and thoughts with,” Mr Graham said.

“He is caring and selfless. Puts family first.”

Kienan’s older sister, who was a bridesmaid at her brothers wedding, said him being born on her second birthday was the best present she never asked for.

“Since then he became my best friend, partner in crime, antagonist and biggest supporter,” Cassel Moore said.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

“I am honestly struggling to picture my life without my giant little brother but I know he wouldn’t want me to dwell on the bad but embrace the good.”

One of Kienan’s groomsmen (who was unable to make the wedding because he had Covid-19), Cohen McKavanagh, said he was a real down to earth person.

“He would always go to extreme lengths to make sure you are feeling right and would drop everything to do so,” he said.

“Kienan is the strongest person I know and he never let anything change his perspective on life. I’m proud to have called Kienan a good mate of mine, I’ve learnt so much from him.”

Tyler Brown, one of Kienan’s close mates, said he met him back when he joined a new AFL team at 14 years old.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

“From the beginning I knew he was special…a tall gangly kid walked up to me with a big smile and made me feel more than at home,” he said.

“Kienan is the most trustworthy, fun, and caring person you’d ever meet and you would know he always had your back.

“It has been an honour to have shared our time together and he will always be a best mate.”

When reflecting on his 21 years on earth, Kienan spoke of living minimally and loving greatly.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

“I wouldn’t change anything about my life because then I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” he said.

“I had everything I ever needed to live a great life and am lucky enough to be surrounded by people who love me.

“I want to go out surrounded by love.”

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.

And go out surrounded by love he did. On Kienan’s last remaining awake days in hospital countless loved ones, who wanted to squeeze in their final goodbyes and last moments with the inspiring young man they’ll never forget, visited his hospital bed.

His family and friends say they are committed to completing Kienan’s bucket list for him, and ask for privacy and respect as they grieve his loss.

Kienan Moore May 30, 2000 - March 8, 2022.

Despite having his life cut short after battling an aggressive deadly cancer, 21 year old Kienan Moore will forever be remembered for accepting his diagnosis with a ‘refreshing sense of optimism’. Photo: contributed.