Kjell Arne Nilsen

Born in Drammen, Norway in 1939, he was the eldest of four sons. At the age of 13, he immigrated to the United States with his family, settling in Salt Lake City, Utah. Homesick, he returned to Norway to live in 1955 and again in 1956 before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1958. After serving as a Photo Lab Specialist in Panama, he attended film school in California and later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Utah.

Kjell dedicated over 20 years to his career as a film projectionist, working at theatres across British Columbia, but mainly with IATSE Local 168 at Victoria’s Capitol 6 and Odeon until he retired in the mid-1990s. He was also an aspiring filmmaker who produced independent films during the 1960s and 70s, including a short feature about Vigeland Park in Oslo that was showcased at a film festival in Las Vegas.

In 1972, Kjell met the love of his life, Anne Christine, in Vancouver. The two married in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1973, and settled in Victoria in 1975 where they raised their family.

Kjell and Anne met through their shared passion for sailing, and together, enjoyed many trips around British Columbia’s coastal waters in their Thunderbird - Troll. Kjell was also a member of the Victoria Precision Shooting Association and enjoyed target shooting at the North Saanich Rod and Gun Club. In 1984 he ran for political office as a Libertarian candidate in the Esquimalt-Saanich riding. He was also a talented amateur cartoonist and penned many letters to the editor that were published in the Times Colonist.

Kjell loved music, movies, photography, and the breathtaking desert landscapes of southern Utah. Above all, he cherished time with his family.

Kjell was predeceased by his beloved parents, Esther Elizabeth and Arne Nilsen, his uncle and aunt Johan and Randi Kristiansen, and a close cousin, Kari Nielsen.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Anne Christine Nilsen; three children, Christina Nilsen (Andrew), Ida Nilsen (Mark Haney), and David Nilsen (Jelai); two grandchildren, Jayden Nilsen and Lynnel Kaye Alicante (Nico Bell); and one great-grandchild, Maxen Rocco Bell. Kjell is also survived by his three brothers, Thor Oivind, Helge, and Robert Nilsen, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held at First Memorial and the Garden of Memories, 4725 Falaise Dr, Victoria, BC, on February 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Kjell will be deeply missed by all who knew him.