Kjell Orning Isdahl

On March 31,2025, at 84 years old, Kjell Orning Isdahl, born in Hetland, Norway, made his way to Valhalla. He was born under Nazi occupation, in 1940. At twelve, his family immigrated to Canada, initially settling in James Bay.

As a teenager, kjell could be found tinkering and restoring old cars. Known in the hot rod community as "Red", he left his mark early on. In his young adult years, he worked for Island Tug aboard the salvage tug Sudbury II, plying the waters of the Pacific and Caribbean. Eventually, he came ashore to start a family and took up carpentry under the guidance of his father, Harald, working alongside his brothers, Helge and Hans.

Kjell was married twice, first to Dianne, with whom he had Lisa and Stephen, and later to Wendy, with whom he had Karina and Bryanne.

Over the years, Kjell alternated between carpentry, driving trucks, and hauling bulk cement for local island companies. He was multitalented, creative, and skilled and passed down his talents to his four children. He designed and built a house for his first family in the Saanich area, and later a home in Sooke for Wendy's folks.

In middle age, Kjell became passionate about offshore cruising. He restored and lived aboard the Babalatchi. He spent summers cruising the Gulf Islands with his family. In early retirement, he nurtured his friendships with other live aboard "Ship Wrongs" and turned his attention to refurbishing classic wooden boats.

In later years Kjell was impacted by a decline in his mental health. His story reminds us of the quiet battle many men face, and the importance of speaking openly about mental health and seeking support.

Kjell will be remembered forever as a warm and charismatic storyteller. Anyone who knew him has a favourite tale whether it involved dynamite, police chases, hurricanes, mutinies, or some other untoward adventure.

Service to be held April 25, 2025,1pm, at The Gorge Pavillion.