Bereavement - Kris Kjeldsen (update)

We lost our good friend Kris Kjeldsen today

Kris passed away suddenly Thursday at Whangarei Hospital.
He will be at the Newberrys Funeral Home until 5pm Friday 1 July. Afterwhich time he will be taken home to Ngunguru

Flowers can be sent to:
Schnapper Rock Cafe
Marine Road
Tutukaka
Northland, NZ

Cards to:
PO Box 403069
Ngunguru
Northland, NZ

A service for Kris will be held in the Ngunguru Sports and Recreational Centre, Kopipi Cres, Ngunguru, on Monday 4 July 2011 at 12 noon, however, doors will be open from 9am for people to speak and say their goodbyes. Following the main service, a private cremation will be held.

Kris was one of the founders of our sport and dedicated his life to the development of Waka Ama in Aotearoa and around the world. We would not have arrived at our current destination without Kris and the vision that he helped to realise.

On behalf of Nga Kaihoe O Aotearoa we send our deepest sympathies to Kris's family and friends.

Haere ra e hoa, haere atu ra

Please contact admin@wakaama.co.nz for further information.
If anyone has any photos of Kris they wish to share, please email them to admin@wakaama.co.nz

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Reader Comments

1. Kris had a wonderful send off and it was really great to see all the old friends at his Tangi - but sad that we have to wait for a Tangi to celebrate all the wonderful people who helped to live the dream.
   
   There should be a Virtual hall of fame,on this website that we can visit to remember and celebrate the Whakapapa of Waka Ama. So that those who come after know their Waka Ama Tupuna.
   Anna - 28-Jul-2011
2. Our lives were enriched by knowing this man
   The tall blond Viking from across the seas
   Horseriding through soft Hokianga bush land
   Across the river and up into the hills
   Down the paths to the water, the harbour, the sea
   Making waka
   Making legend
   Making his dreams come true.
   This kereru has flown.
   
   Carol Bean - 14-Jul-2011
3. sad to hear of the lost, he was a major part of the waka ama family, he will be sadly missed
   Opal Howell - 11-Jul-2011
4. farewell bro.
   Jay.. - 09-Jul-2011
5. It is with great sadness to hear the passing of a great pioneer in the waka ama family, and our very heartfelt condolences go out to the the Kjeldsen whanau.
   
   Fakaue lahi kehe haau pulotu moe loto fakalofa Kia monuina ha au a fenoga ma toa.
   
   Monu tagaloa
   Aue tulou.
   NIUE Outrigger Canoe Association - 09-Jul-2011
6. Sad to hear of the passing of a legend of our outrigger family. Kris mde our first bladz at the World Sprints in NZ in 92..and shared his passion and knowledge then. Always growing new ideas. Kind thoughts to family and friednds from across the ditch..and many many thanks to Kris
   Jane Hall, Aussie outriggers - 08-Jul-2011
7. Such a loss to the world of waka ama, both here and abroard. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the the Kjeldsen whanau.His inspiration and his teachings will never be forgotten.
   
   Riki Williams, Omaha Outriggers Canoe Club. - 06-Jul-2011
8. Ki he mali moe fanau moe kainga,
   
   'Oku 'oatu 'e mau loto fie kau nga mamahi he taufa kuo huki homou loto fale.
   
   Fakatauange ke hufia ki moutolu 'e he Kelesi ke fakanonga homou mamahi pea faka toli'a homou kaha'u.
   
   'Ofa atu,
   Fole Finau
   
   Koe kau nga mamahi
   
   
   TUI TONGA CANOE CLUB NZ AND HAWAII - 06-Jul-2011
9. To the Kjeldsen ohana and the entire waka ama community of Aotearoa, our fondest condolences on the passing of your kupuna.
   
   Aloha Pumehana,
   Laola and Kamuela Aea
   laola and kamuela - 05-Jul-2011
10. On behalf of Team Pineula and Maioha, Thank You Kris, Manuia le malaga.
    Akarana - 05-Jul-2011
11. Arohanui, what beautiful tributes to a wonderful humble and generous man. We thank you Kris for what you have given to our tamariki, whanau and communities throughout all these years. There are so many amazing memories I have of you and our waka ama whanau. The many happy days we spent on some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the world. You shared your passion for waka ama with us, it strted as a small ember glowing and was quickly turned into a blazing roaring fire, consuming our time, energy and emotions. We have loved every moment of our journey and learned to value and appreciate Gods many gifts to us, te moana, te waka, te rangi, nga whanau katoa ....Thanks for sharing with us Kris we will always thank you for what you imparted to us, AROHANUI AND GOD BLESS YOUR WHANAU AT THIS SAD TIME,
    Leslie and Pera George and Owhuiwa Waka Ama Club whanau
    Leslie George - 04-Jul-2011
12. Kris was foremost a wonderful father. his life was all about his wonderful children. He passed his gift on to them and they in turn pass the aloha as they do their journey. We met Chris 10 years ago and he was unconditionally supportive of our ocean adventures in Tuataka. we visited his homestead and got to know his love of the ocean and the people of NZ. He will be missed but the Wa'a culture will continue and many of you will be sitting in his creations for years to come. We will feel your presents in the ocean. Ahuihou Mike and Jill Spalding Maui
    Jill and Michael Spalding - 04-Jul-2011
13. Kua hinga te totara o te wao nui o tane. Another great kauri returns to the bossom of papatuanuku.
    
    On behalf of the Manukau Outriggers Canoeing Club Inc. we extend our heartfelt condolensces to the Kjeldsen whanau at this time where you revisit fond memories of a rangatira that had such a huge influence on the culture of waka ama in Aotearoa. There are many within our club and along the Tamaki estuary who are grateful for the opportunity to have known a small part of him through our love of waka ama and to have purchased equipment from him over the years which will continue on as a visible part of his legacy on these shores especially.
    
    Farewell Kris....you must've caught that big wave of matariki to carry you on in to the heavens. Say "Kia ora" to all our other whanau from waka who are out there paddling in the zone.
    
    Moe mai i roto te korowai aroha o nga tupuna...
    Manukau Outriggers - 04-Jul-2011
14. May all the love you gave to the ocean be with you and your family at this time. Sad for one of us to leave we will think of you when we are out there in the wild.
    
    Tanya Olive Austalia - AOCRA NSW
    Tanya Olive - 04-Jul-2011
15. Ki te kopu tangata o Kris,
    Te akaroa i te akarongoanga i teia nuti tumatetenga o Papa Kris tei takake atu na te ara tiroa o te mate. Na te Atua e akapumaana mai ia kotou i teia tuatau tumatetenga. Te Atua te aroa.
    
    
    Cook Islands Outriggers Association "Kuki Club" - 04-Jul-2011
16. Hei maumahara ki te tino hoa o waka ama,
    
    Na aroha nui ana atu ki a koutou te whanau i tenei wa, kei konei te aroha me te whakaaro o te whanau o Nga Tai Whakarongo Hoe Waka.
    
    Nga Tai Whakarongo Whanau Hoe Waka would like to extend our aroha to the whanau of Kris. Kris has had a long association with our club as with many waka ama clubs, and long standing friendships were formed.
    
    Haere, haere, haere e hoa ki nga ringaringa o te Atua.
    
    
    Sidney Smith, Nga Tai Whakarongo Whanau Hoe Waka - 04-Jul-2011
17. Kia Manuia, Maata Kris for your wisdom & sharing of knowledge. Thoughts go out to Maui, Kapua & Whanau.
    Regards Shaye
    Shaye - 04-Jul-2011
18. to Kris's family. Vickie and I was shocked to hear of the passing of an Icon within the Paddling world. I met kris along with Pili at Miti as an green horn back in 1998. You made my first Hoe it was the start of a large collection of Moana Nui blades. Vickie Clarkson (my wife now) remembers you with heart felt fondness. You have a knackof making everyone relaxed. We brought over a heap of Ozzies for Miti's regatta it rained the whole time we raced. Vickie and I didn't care. It worked out that I was to sit in your Waka I had a ball. Later in the trip we took them down to your workshop and they was gob smacked with your ora. We are still gob smacked
    RIP Kris and keep no flyin that Ama
    John Pauling and Vickie Clarkson - 03-Jul-2011
19. Our heart felt condolences to Maui,Kapua, Diane and Whanau. Kris is and always will be one of the good buggers. Our Whanau in Te uri o tai, will always think of him and his family as one of our own.
    Our thoughts are with you, arohanui.
    
    Barry Campbell and whanau. - 03-Jul-2011
20. Tae mai nga rongo kua moe koe e hika oho ana te mauri mamae ana e..takoto mai Kris i runga i te atamira Maku koe e riringi te roimata e.. kua ngaro koe ki te po ko te totara nui takoto no reira haere haere haere atu ra.
    
    Kris we have many fond memories of you mate & you will be sorely missed by us all, we like many of the other clubs have waka W6 original 1990s,Bks,Mahimahi,W1& W2 surfriggers, paddles etc the list goes on from the moana nui stable manufactured by or under the guidance of your hands.
    Your legacy shall live on forever within the waka ama fraternity...again thanks for so much.
    Our aroha ki te whanau during this sad & trying time...kia kaha,kia maia, kia manawanui.
    
    
    Mareikura waka ama club. - 03-Jul-2011
21. Mihi aroha ki te whanau katoa o te Rangatira nei. E te Matua, haere haere atu ra. Grateful to have met you, to view your beautiful home in Ngunguru your beautiful vege gardens and animals-self sufficiency at its best! Also grateful for the beautiful Wainui waka you made for me... You will be sorely missed.. Haere atu ra ki te ao Wairua e te Rangatira xox
    Bronnie Wikaira - 03-Jul-2011
22. As a child growing up in PawarengaI would hear about this American man who's squatting in the bush and his a hippy. My first encounter with him I thought oh more like santa than a hippy. Anyway I got the pleasure of hiking up there with Den Edward because the water line for the garden needed maintain. On our way back down we called in to Chris and Dianes for a cuppa Den says. He shared much of his horticultural knowledge with us back then.
    
    
    Thankyou Chris.
    Condolences to the family
    
    
    Mary and Sarah Waipouri - 03-Jul-2011
23. I want to thank everyone for all your wonderful memories. It is making me so sad I cant be in NZ with Kapua and Maui and my friends. I am up in the arctic in Alaska and cant get away until mid July. When i left NZ kris had just had a scan and they found some cancer but I had no idea it was so advanced. 2 days after I got here he died. He was still doing his garden and firewood a week before. I still cant believe it. We had a wonderful life together bringing up our kids in Pawarenga, my very best memories. His vision of the outriggers was a good thing for NZ but not such a good thing for me but people change and he did make his mark. He came back to the old Kris I new in the later years and we had a nice friendship again . I knew his smoking would finally get him but was not ready for it to be this soon. He led the life he felt was right fot him and was true to himself. He loved his children and his friends were very imprtant to him. Thankyou everyone.
    Diane Coker Kjeldsen - 03-Jul-2011
24. Kris came to Pawarenga with his wife Diane in the early 1970s. A bunch of us teenagers met them in their Ford Prefect when he stopped and asked who wanted to swap a horse for his car. Funny thing is that the horse Willy Pirini swapped with him outlasted the car.
    
    Kris walked the talk of a true alternative life styler. At a time when we Pawarengans were just starting to gain electricity, flush toilets and inside plumbing, he chose to live without any of these mod-cons. We thought he was mad, but the energy crises during the 1970s proved him right.
    
    At a time when blonde hair and blue eyes were still relatively rare (apart from the odd waka blonde amongst us) this viking and his wife were very striking additions to our valleys.
    
    Kris' Californian twang fascinated us teenagers and we'd talk to him just to hear it ... "How are the kūtai Kris?" we'd ask. "Jerst lahk rerber-banz," was the answer. So that became a pat answer from some of us for a wee while to any question. Sister Peters to our confirmation class, "What is faith?" Answer: "Just like rerber banz." Thank you Kris!
    
    Kris was a founding Trustee of the Pawarenga Community Trust and tutor of our first community garden courses. He was also one of the three original people who revived waka ama in Aotearoa and was one of the founders of the sport.
    
    Kris loved Pawarenga. The last time he came home he spoke with longing of a desrier to return. Although he did not return often in the last decade, he was a good friend to us all. A quietly spoken man with a surprisingly deep voice. A deep thinker who was always respectful of, and sometimes bemused by Te Uri o Tai. So many memories.
    
    He tohu aroha tēnei ki te whānau pani kua noho mokemoke nei mo tātou hoa, he tangata aroha kua moe nei ki te pō roa. Haere ra e Kris. Haere ra e hoa, haere atu ra. Say hello to Bo and Chris for us.
    
    Anahera Herbert-Graves - 03-Jul-2011
25. Thank you Kris, for sharing your passion and vision. And for working so hard to make it a reality for us all to enjoy. I am just one of the thousands of people whose lives were forever changed the moment we fell in love with this wonderful sport.
    Like many, I bought my first paddle from you, I bought my first surfrigger from you, Our club bought its first 6man from you. And always the journey up north to pick up our new toys, was an exciting one!
    I looked forward to seeing you every year at nationals, and over the past couple of years I have enjoyed chatting to you on the phone about all the exciting developments that Waka Ama is experiencing.
    You were really keen to share all those old videos you had saved for the past 24 years since the forming of Tatou Hoe in 1987. Converting to DVD that box of videos you gave me and posting them on the waka ama website means that everyone can forever enjoy our sports wonderful history. Only a couple of weeks ago it was great to get an excited phone call from you as you watched that footage online and was able to show Maui's family his "long blonde hair"
    
    I'm so happy that I started paddling and have had the opportunity to meet and get to know you and so many wonderful people. You were an incredible man and your legacy will live on forever.
    Thanks again & Happy paddling
    Lara - 02-Jul-2011
26. Very sad news...My condolences to all of Kris's family and everyone who will miss Kris. He is a true legend and the reason many of us entered the world of outrigger paddling. Aloha Kris...
    
    Sue LaLanne - Polynesian Paddling Products - 02-Jul-2011
27. Kris (Bruce), you always walked with your head high, lived life, lived the way you wanted to live it. Very proud of your Nordic heritage which you used to guide your life you made it work in the modern world.
    You built a trimaran in your yard with no expirence in boat building or sailing. Launched it and sailed to Hawaii with a compass,using the contrails to guide you and your crew who had less expirence then you. You called me and I said to get a year of sailing in before leaving, I was happy to receive your call when you arrived.
    May you always travel with a following sea.
    Aloha Oe,
    Cappy
    Cappy Sheeley - 02-Jul-2011
28. Sooth sailing old friend. I will always remember you and the old Helms Bakery van which I sometimes borrowed. The good old days at Zuma Beach and Paradise Cove. Our Baja surfing trips were some of the best. Until our paths cross once more I will catch a wave for you now and again.
    Randy DeGregori - 02-Jul-2011
29. The sad news reaches me in Costa Rica of Kris' sudden passing. I am reeling. But also, like others, I'm left with an unfading footprint where he walked. In 1970 we sailed together from Hawaii to Santa Cruz after which he and Diane ended up in Pawarenga, Hokianga. Two years later, sailing to New Zealand, I stopped in to say hello and was captured by their subsistence lifestyle they'd created, living in a Maori-style thatched hut, producing all their own food without machinery, planting thousands of trees, giving honor to the Maori traditions and being instrumental in bringing "the Maoris home." After living with the Kjeldsens and participating in the creation of that vision Kris held, I finally sailed on. And eventually Kris moved on to a new vision. I last saw Kris in December of 2006 when I returned for a visit to New Zealand ... and returned to see the varietal forest Kris and Diane had planted at Pawarenga, now towering, and each one an indelible footprint of Kris' vision there. Lifeguard, sailor, ecologist, paddler, visionary. I hear the keening as his waka is pushed out from the shore; I hear the wind caress the trees he planted; I feel the love of all who were privileged to know him.
    
    No se pare en mi tumba y llorar. Yo no estoy allí. Yo no duermo.... Pura Vida, Kris. Buen viaje.
    Patu - 02-Jul-2011
30. The passing of a man who was a legend in his own time and now a legend for the ages. How deeply felt to see the corners of the earth mourn his passing. As he rides off into the sunset----
    Cap Allen, Dolores, Colorado - 02-Jul-2011
31. Aloha Kris, aka Bruce, (as we called you in the 60's), you will be missed by all those that were honored with your time and friendship. You have made a the world a much better place with all that you have given, especially in the world of paddling. You have brought a rebirth to the world of canoe, waka....none can compare.
    
    Mahalo for our time together in New Zealand, with you and your family...paddling and revisiting after more than 30 years since our last times together aboard the rescue vessel, "Vittoria"...It was wonderful having you visit Hawaii and taking you and your family sailing aboard the "Sea Smoke"....may you sail forever with the wind off your bronze shoulders.....thoughts and love to your family.....Aloha, Captain Jeff McConnel....
    Jeff McConnel - 02-Jul-2011
32. Birdie and I our so sad to here about Kris. I meet Kris (Bruce) at Venice Beach when we were both working as Beach Lifeguards He used to tell me stories about Sailing etc. And then he sailed off to Hawaii and off to New Zealand. Birdie and I planed a trip to New Zealand in 1980 and we looked up Kris and the family. It took us about a day to find him. We had too cross a footbridge over a river to get to him. It was great we stayed with him over a week we got rained out major storm. We got to see him and the family one more time when they came to California to take the kids to Disney Land and See Kris Parents who lived in Oxnard. We always though he should have been born in the 1800's because of the way of the American Indian and the lifestyle they had. So when I swim my laps I will be doing them for you and all my old buddies that have gone. I'll see you one day on a big wave. Jack & Birdie Goldsmith.
    Jack Goldsmith-Arizona USA - 02-Jul-2011
33. Tera te tai e tangi haere ana. Ka ripo te au, ka ripo te moana. He whakatahuritanga ta te au kaha mahi. E te Papa, awhitia a Tangaroa, mana koe e mau atu ki tera taha o tawhitinui e. Lo the tides weep, swirling, eddying, a capsize. Papa, embrace Tangaroa, he will you take to the place beyond. I bought 2 W1s, sprayskirts, paddles, and ama from you over the years and sought your advice. You were professional, knowledgeable and always ready to help. This is a shock ! May your reach be long, the rhythm smooth, your blade at the sweet spot mo ake tonu atu.
    Arohanui e te whanau pani.E tangi hotuhotu nei tatou hei huarahi mo te aroha.
    Wairangi - 01-Jul-2011
34. Kris what a legacy you have left us 1000,s of Waka not only in NZ but around the world,but more than that are the present and past paddlers who love the sport/culture of Waka Ama that you Beau Ace Greg and others brought back to life in NZ,I know it has shaped and changed my and others lives in so many ways.Thank you Kris To Maui and the Kjeldsen Whanau our sincere condolences
    Mike Hickson >>Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao - 01-Jul-2011
35. See you later old man im proud to be one of your boys, Ill miss our talks of late but will always Cherish the memories, Thankyou for being you and for all your help and guidance throughout the years.
    Take it easy old boy see you out the back.
    Tui.
    
    
    Tui Timoko - 01-Jul-2011
36. Our thoughts with Maui and the rest of the family from the Mairangi Bay surf club community in this very challenging time.
    Jason Pocock - 01-Jul-2011
37. Our heart felt condolences to the Kjeldsen Family. Kris was long time supporter of our first regatta - Tauranga Harbour Challenge - both as a competitor and supporter, where we got to know him, including doing a mid race repair on my canoe for me. Kris you will be sorely missed and wish you peace in your next journey.
    Bec Ryder - Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club - 01-Jul-2011
38. My heart felt heavy today but began to lighten up when I thought of the many wonderful times we had together. Your legacy will live on in so many ways.
    
    You and Beau are probably hitting the surf on the other side already eh?
    
    A hui hou my friend, I'll miss you.
    Rick Nu'u - 01-Jul-2011
39. Kris is one of the legends for this sport. Please give the family my best regards.
    Sue Ironside - Tamaki Outriggers Canoeing Club Inc. - 01-Jul-2011
40. wow, words cannot express the saddend loss of a great man who had a vision, took it, ran with it, and has reaped the rewards by seeing his fruits into the sport he loved so much, just take off, in leaps and bounds. Thankyou for your hard work Kris, your time and talents into making wakaama the sport it is today, simply the best. Condolences to the Kjedsen fanau.
    Ati ( Des ) Iese. - 01-Jul-2011
41. To the legend himself. Thanks for always lending an ear :) You will be greatly missed and to the whanua, we will be here for you always.
    
    KC
    KC - 01-Jul-2011
42. We shall always remember Kris happy times with us, staying at our home, the way he could make sailing ties/knots just by throwing the rope out and with a twist of his wrist make a perfect knot. His
    hearty appetite for Portugese sausaage, eggs, and rice, the time a
    picture was taken with son Kris, Ricky Nu, Paul,Kris,Beau Herbert and I,(Nappy) riding a wave at Waikiki and all the many "fun" times.
    Aloha, Dear friend you will be missed, and we believe your're at a
    better place.
    Nappy and Anona Napoleon - 01-Jul-2011
43. Halii aloha, Kris, from one old koro to another. Save me room in your waka.
    Bill Monahan - 01-Jul-2011
44. Calling all paddlers, regardless of where you are in the world. Let us all take to the water in honour of our Rangatira while he lays in state.
    
    Further comment and direction on how we all might make this suggestion a reality would be gratefully appreciated.
    Whaka-Whisperer - 01-Jul-2011
45. It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of a great visionary for the sport and tradition of waka ama in New Zealand. His ability to identify what needed to be done, the building of the relationships with like minded visionary individuals to build what is the foundation of our sporting resources today, is an undeniable tribute to Kris. A humble man, no doubt and, someone who had a vision, had the heart and lived and breathed the challenges. Another of our great fathers of the sport has left us to carry on his work, to build on the legacy.
    
    Ka mau te punga here o te waka nei. Ka ngaro te kaihautu, te kakakura o roto I te pokai.
    No reira, e pa, hoia atu ra to waka, ki runga I te moana nui a kiwa.
    I te maru o Tangaroa, E kore koe e hoki mai.
    
    The anchor of this canoe is taken. You are gone, a visionary, a leader of the flock.
    Therefore, paddle your canoe across the great ocean of Kiwa, under the shelter of Tangaroa never to return.
    
    Nga mihi.
    Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association
    
    HTPWAA Regional Rep - Marinna Millanta-Lowrey - 01-Jul-2011
46. Kris always had time for a chat with me no matter how busy he was. Will miss you Kris. My thoughts go out to your family during this time.
    Oparoozy anf Family - 01-Jul-2011
47. I've just heard the news, I'm so sorry about him.
    Actually Japanese Outrigger Canoe History started with his OC4 which was transported to Kamakura Japan in 1999. Since then we started enjyoing outrigger canoeing and it's culture.
    I really appriciate that Kris's work. I pray for his family. God bless all of you.
    from Kamakura, Japan.
    Kamakura Outrigger Club
    taka
    Yoshinobu Takahashi - 01-Jul-2011
48. Kris the news of your passing hit us. Memories flooding our minds. You and Matahi standing on the beach at Okahu bay in 1985,next to Hawaikinui 1 waka, talking about waka ama revival, you visiting us in Gisborne to plan a big meet in Pawarenga, you in Pawarenga introducing us to your beautiful whanau, and showing us your hand made bow and arrow, you delivering the first 1990 W6s at the orakei Basin for the World Spints, just a few hours before the first race started... So may land marks for waka ama. You never looked back and fostered waka ama to the max, producing the best wakas for us all. You will be dearly missed.
    To Maui, Kapua, Keala, Alia and whanau, our deepest condolences
    
    Haere ra a Kris, our dear friend,
    
    Te Aroha ia rahi
    
    Brightwell whanau - 01-Jul-2011
49. Our club compound has 6 W6 (including 2 of the original 1990s), 6+ W1 and 4 W2 waka, all made by Kris. Many of us also use his hoe. Just in the last month he made us a new set of W6 kiato and he delivered them personally to us in Whangarei. Our waka will continue to be cherished as living reminders of a man who had a vision, and who lived to see that vision enjoyed, now, by the thousands in Aoteoroa who have developed a passion for waka ama. Our thoughts are with Kris's whanau and his many friends, around the world.
    Waitakere Outrigger Canoe Club - 01-Jul-2011
50. La ligue de Va'a de Wallis et Futuna partage la douleur de la famille ainsi que sa famille du Va'a en Nouvelle Zélande, toutes nos condoléances, le va'a nouvelle zélandais a perdu un personnage important, que Dieu l'accueille dans son royaume,
    
    "Ke ofa te Atua kiai o haofaki tona alo mo fakamolemole ana agahala nee na fai ite lalo kele aeni", "Ofa atu mai Uvea ki Niusila",
    
    sportivement,
    
    Kusitino MANUFEKAI
    
    Kusitino MANUFEKAI - 01-Jul-2011
51. Our paddling movement has been here since Kris's Waka arrived here in Japan. His soul will stay alive with us unless this waka exist.
    TAIKI - 01-Jul-2011
52. Kua hinga tetahi o nga kauri nunui i te waonui o tane, no reira e te papa, e te rangatira moe mai ra i to waka. Ka tae koe i waenga o to waka whanau whanui, na ko Bo, Chrissy, Ace ma. Na ratou e karangahia mou, no reira hoki atu ki a ratou nga matua tupuna.
    Ko koe tetahi o nga rangatira e timatahia tenei wahanga, hakinahina, ara ko te Waka Ama ki Aotearoa. E kore mutu nga mihi e mara.
    E mihi ana mai te roopu o Te Puu Ao.
    Ki a koutou e te whanau pani, kia kaha tonu mai, kia maia, kia manawanui.
    
    Another kauri has fallen. Kris we will miss you, but you are now with your other whanau Bo, Chrissy, Ace and others.
    We will always cherish and remember the diference and contribution you made to World. The peoples lives you have changed by being apart of the founder members of Waka Ama to Aotearoa. The contribution you made to our kids with both Mitamitaga and Te Puu Ao will never be forgotton.
    
    To Maui, Kapua and the whanau. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.
    Te Puu Ao - Ralph & Auriole Ruka - 01-Jul-2011
53. Kris was the Father of Waka Ama in the Tai Tokerau. The Founder Father of Nga Hoe Horo O Pawarenga and lately a Patron and honourary member of our Club.
    
    Kris took on Apprentices in the early days of his Waka building when, he moved to Ngunguru and the Workshop was in the garage at the back of his house. My son Spence was one of his apprentices - we spoke by phone last night, Spence said "the gift that Kris passed to me was teaching me to surf," Kris took on a number of young men from Nga Hoe Horo to work, Surf and paddle in Ngunguru. A lot of knowledge has gone with Kris.
    
    We will miss seeing him at the Nationals, he will no longer be just at the end of the phone, we will no longer be albe to say "go and pick up our new Waka from Kris". There is a hole so large and it will never be filled.
    
    Kua hinga te totara nui, he poutokomanawa o Waka Ama. Takato rangimarie is runga i to waka.
    E te whanau pani, tena koutou i tenei wa pouri.
    (A mighty Totara has fallen, a pillar of Waka Ama. Rest in peace in your waka. To he bereaved family we greet you in your time of sadness.)
    Nga Whanau O Nga Hoe Horo O Pawarenga - 01-Jul-2011
54. I also lived with Bruce (Kris) with Larry Logenbill in 1966, my last year at Long Beach State. Bruce and his brother Kieth both worked summers at Zuma Beach, where we lived in a facility much like a surf club in New Zealand. I new he left on a trimaran for Hawaii and then to New Zealand in the late 60's where he settled.
    
    I am sorry I was not able to recontact Bruce, and now it is too late. He was respected and admired by many fellow lifeguards
    Tom Viren - 01-Jul-2011
55. Ia Orana oe te utua fare no Kriss. Te oto nei te aau na roto i te ie ati mauiui. A faatoito i to oe ter hopea, ta oe hoera'a hopea. Na te Atua Hau e tamahanahana i ta oe Utua Fare feti'i.
    Ia Orana & condolence to Kriss Home. Our Heart is crying with this very sad news. Our prayer to God for the comfort of your Big Family.
    Kriss was we Edaouard Maamaatua, Matahi Brightwell, Julien Maurin and myself at the very begining of the revival of the Va'a in Aotearoa. Since the vey begening he was ther to help, to build not only va'a but the whole sport in Aotearoa and every where his has landed his feet.
    Kriss you are racing your last race with no finish line. We do know that from where you are now, you'll still look after your Family but also your very Big Va'a Family.
    MAURUURU ROA
    
    Charles VILLIERME Pdt of IVF - 01-Jul-2011
56. Ia Orana oe te utua fare no Kriss. Te oto nei te aau na roto i te ie ati mauiui. A faatoito i to oe ter hopea, ta oe hoera'a hopea. Na te Atua Hau e tamahanahana i ta oe Utua Fare feti'i.
    Ia Orana & condolence to Kriss Home. Our Heart is crying with this very sad news. Our prayer to God for the comfort of your Big Family.
    Kriss was we Edaouard Maamaatua, Matahi Brightwell, Julien Maurin and myself at the very begining of the revival of the Va'a in Aotearoa. Since the vey begening he was ther to help, to build not only va'a but the whole sport in Aotearoa and every where his has landed his feet.
    Kriss you are racing your last race with no finish line. We do know that from where you are now, you'll still look after your Family but also your very Big Va'a Family.
    MAURUURU ROA
    
    Charles VILLIERME Pdt of IVF - 01-Jul-2011
57. A great man who shared his passion and vision to thousands of people not only in New Zealand but the whole pacific. His legacy lives on through every person who joins the sport in Aotearoa.
    
    Kia rongo te vaka e kua mate te ariki kua ngaeve ra ratou.
    
    Ngakau Toa Vaka
    Cook Islands
    Fletcher Melvin - 01-Jul-2011
58. Kris who I knew as "Bruce" was one of my roommates my first
    semester at Long Beach State...we lived in Sunset Beach, California...but lived together along with his brother Keith in
    the Zuma Beach lifeguard HQ/Dorms in Malibu for several summers during the 1960s. Bruce was one of the original ecologists...didn't like that Chrysler was naming some of their cars after creatures of the sea, e.g. the "Barracuda" etc. He was one of the good guys.
    Long may you ride Bruce......
    
    Larry Loganbill
    Moloa'a Bay, Kaua'i
    <lloganbill@hawaii.rr.com>
    
    
    Larry Loganbill - 01-Jul-2011
59. We are so sad to hear this news . Kris was a soulful and unique man. He will be greatly missed . It has been an honor to know him . Aloha , Mark & Diane
    Mark Daniells - 01-Jul-2011
60. Kris
    
    It has been many years since we last met but I do know that thru you I learnt so much more about this wonderful culture that we call paddling. You will be sadly missed and my thoughts go out to your family during this time.
    Keith Parker (former orginal 6 pack paddler from Tarawera) - 01-Jul-2011
61. So sad, to hear this new.
    
    On behalf of RUAHATU TAHITI and Te Aito comitte we send our sympathies to Kris's family and friends.
    
    
    Parahi Father.
    
    Charley
    Charley - 01-Jul-2011
62. It is with great sadness we hear of kris kjeldsens passing. He was a stalwart within the wakaama fraternity, sailing,canoe building. To the kjeldsen family we offer our deepest condolences.
    
    The waikato dragonboating & wakaama club.
    alex & vonnie soutar - 01-Jul-2011
63. To Maui and the family - our deepest sympathy for the lost of a great father and friend. Kris build Marie's first Moana Nui canoe in 2000 and it was one of first Moana Nui canoes to arrive in the Cook Islands. Kris will be missed not only by his family but by all of us paddlers and friends who have known him over the years. Haere ra e te Hoa, na Te Atua e tiaki iakoe i toou haerenga. Te Atua te aroa.
    
    Our prayers are with you at this time.
    God bless
    Emma and Marie William and the family, Rarotonga - 01-Jul-2011
64. I just received word from Gaylord that Kris passed away.
    I am so saddened.
    Kris was a good friend and I was hoping to get down to NZ to visit him this year.
    Kris was building my Holopuni Sailing Canoes in NZ and we had dreams of a Holopuni Fleet starting there.
    Kris, I was looking forward to sailing with you again.
    Maui, if this gets to you...I know how big a loss this is to you and your family.
    My condolences to all your family and to so many
    friends I know Kris has throughout the Pacific.
    
    Aloha Aikane
    
    
    Nick Beck and family - 01-Jul-2011