It is with profound sadness the family of Kjell Erik Sorensen announces his passing on Tuesday January 6th in Castlegar BC.
Erik is survived by the love of his life; Jaclyn and his daughter Liberty (6) and son Liam (2). Mother Renate Sorensen (Wycliffe-Kimberley); Grandma, Lydia Moehling (Marysville); Sister, Maibrit Sorensen and Brother-in-Law Cody Stewart (Nelson). Erik was predeceased by his father; Kjell Sorensen in September 2014 and Grandfather Wilhelm Moehling December 2010.
Extended family include The LaRiviere’s in Quesnel; Aunt Angela, Uncle Chuck and Cousins Laurel and Rachelle. Aunt Randi in Gran Canary Island; and family in Germany and Norway.
Erik was born February 24th 1980 in Cranbrook BC and grew up in Wycliffe in the house his mother still resides in, spending the summers on the trampoline, swimming in the pool; building forts and riding bikes. In the winter Erik and Maibrit were at the Kimberley ski hill every day they weren’t in school –guaranteed the first on the ski hill in the morning and last to leave. Both conquered the ‘Easter’ run before they were 10 years old. Erik attended Marysville Elementary and McKim Middle School before transferring to Cranbrook for high school.
Erik followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Union 115 in 2005. With the same name as his father; many co-workers had worked with his Father and lots of stories ensued; with many co-worker friends coming to visit his Father to catch up on ‘old times’. He moved around BC working and gaining the experience necessary to become the Plant Manager of SPL in Castlegar for the last 3 years. Erik worked hard like his father and made many dear friends at SPL.
Erik met Jaclyn while in high school in Cranbrook; and low and behold Jaclyn’s parents moved beside Renate and Kjell 10 years ago. It is at this time that the high school sweethearts rekindled their relationship. In 2008 Jaclyn and Erik welcomed his princess; Liberty Rayne Maibrit Sorensen to the family; and proceeded to move to Nelson . In 2010 Erik, Jaclyn and Liberty moved to Castlegar and on Valentine’s Day 2012 welcomed his prince; Kjell Liam Arik Sorensen.
August 30th 2014 Erik and Jaclyn were married at the family home in Wycliffe; and officially expanded the family to include Mother -in-Law Trish Birks-Burch and Father-in-Law Brian Burch. Sister-in-laws Monica, Lindsay, and Brother-in-law Everett. Along with the new extended family includes 2 nephews and 4 nieces.
All who remember Erik will recall his love of music and his passion to travel to take in all of his favorites. When Erik was only 14 his sister and brother-in-law took Erik to Seattle to see DOA, Sublime and The Ramones. Erik was such a concert fan he purchased tickets for his mom so she could take him to see White Zombie in Spokane (mom went and was terrified). One of his prized possessions is a picture of Joey Keithley with Liberty; and favorite recent shows is the Dropkick Murphy road trip and The Smalls. At every show small or large he would be front and center in any mosh pit.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday January 31st at the Eagle’s Hall in Cranbrook at 1:30pm.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family at: www.youcaring.com/love4libbyandliam