I met Kaisa in 9th grade and from there she became such a big part of my years in high school. As we grew up and graduated I got to see her absolutely transform. At first she came off as shy, quiet and reserved but as I got to know her she was so lively, adventurous and determined. I remember during our grad year we got piercings together and when the world shut down due to COVID it was hard to keep her inside.  She came up with so many ways to keep ourselves entertained and busy during the lockdown. We didn’t keep up much after the first year after graduation as we slowly drifted apart. I still got to see what she was up to through our mutual friends and social media. Before her passing, I loved seeing all the adventures she was having caving and in Norway.  I couldn’t help but admire and be so proud of her. She was living out her passion, following her dreams to build her life. Kaisa’s past adventures and her ambition were inspiring. I hope I get to live out adventures like she had and I will carry her in my heart and have the memory of her when I do.

I knew Kaisa from our Summer at Horne Lake Caves. She was the first person I met from the caves. She drove me from the ferry terminal and we began the summer together, two strangers with zero caving experience completely unaware that the next few months would be filled with so many incredible memories. Kaisa is by far one of the coolest person I know. She taught me so much about adventure and authenticity. My summer with her had a profound impact on me. She taught me about kindness and change and risk taking and being brave even when you’re afraid. She gave me the confidence to rock climb again, and she never gave up on me even when I was really really bad at it. Kaisa was spontaneous. Our times climbing mountains and exploring caves together will forever change me. It’s Kaisa’s spirit, that twinkle in her eye that she gets when she does something hard, or puts her mind to something that inspires me so much. Thank you Kaisa for your friendship. I miss you so so much.

Kaisa with her brand new water bottle that she got on her birthday and her canned armadillo.

The Wiens family at the EMI Canada summer 2008 picnic.

So much joy while meeting Kaisa and Talia at the EMI Canada office during my summer 2008 internship.

Summer 2008 social BBQ at the Wien's backyard

I met Kaisa in July 2019 in Gaspé on our summer exchange there. We lived in the same apartment and instantly clicked. She helped everyone struggling to only speak in French and she always convinced me to hike up the lookout near our residence early before class. She was always brave and so adventurous and would support anyone who was more scared, like me. We would laugh so much and always stay up later than we were supposed to watch Stranger Things and go to McDonald’s. On our last night there we stayed up all night because neither one of us wanted to say bye. I went to visit her in Kamloops and she showed me her motorcycle and around the town. She was such a supportive friend and although we drifted as we grew older and lived on opposite sides of the country, I knew we could always reach out whenever we needed. I feel so lucky to have gotten to spend that summer together. I miss you❤️

The girls then did the Calgary Marathon half again in 2018.

Talia, Kiah and Kaisa at Calgary Marathon as part of the EMI team running their first half.

Dear parents and sister of Kaisa,

My condolences.

I am Noor's father and sad for Kaisa. Noor is part of the group of students in Norway. My heart cries. I think it's sad that she had to go in the prime of her life and that no one was there. I didn't know Kaisa personally, but I cried. The crying broke out on Sunday morning October 13 while reading the song Friends.

'Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause your hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong'

A man cannot bear this without a comforter who has conquered death. Thankful for her life and knowing that God never leaves and never lets go.

'When I walk through the shades of death,
Your presence is my stay;
A word of Your supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.'

Noor said that you mentioned Psalm 121. I hope that this Psalm gives strength to bear the loss. I believe that Jesus cries and carries her life to life.

Alcon la Soe
(The Netherlands)

To the Wiens,

We so tried to make the drive from Calgary to Kamloops to share this day in person but unfortunately circumstances wouldn't allow for the travel.  Please know the Broughton's are thinking of your family and are planning to attend via on-line.

Candice and I, along with our kids were stunned to hear the news, and to be honest, it's still somewhat hard to process.  Cassidy and Zoe, looked up to Kaisa and the boys enjoyed hanging with Kaisa during small group time and / or trying to keep up with Kaisa on a cross country run.    

Kaisa always struck me as a special lady that held a joyful, confident, disposition.  The fruits of the spirit were obvious in Kaisa's life and we will miss her.

Wayne, Candice, Lucas, Slater, Garrett, Cassidy, Zoe Broughton

Grateful for having had almost a decade to see you grow up from a child with a big, beaming smile to an adventurous young woman with huge heart. Much love to the Wiens from all of us at EMI Canada.

Kaisa was always so brave. We went sailing together as one of our group activities every week. I remember being scared, especially since this was my first time. But she would laugh the entire time. I admire her truly

We were assigned to make a lipsync music video for our French class.   I remember how much fun we had singing along. Kaisa was always so playful and funny;  I have all these silly clips of us just being kids

We stayed up all night wanting to catch the sunrise before our flight back home. We walked to the water and it was beautiful. I was never good at goodbyes, but this one was extremely hard. We had been such close friends. I couldn't imagine not having her support and our adventures. I wish we had kept in touch more when we got back home. I miss these days a lot

We had a fancy dinner before our talent showcase.  I remember having a mini photoshoot on the pier. We were all smiles. I can't put into words how much I miss her and how I want to turn back time just to hear her laugh again

I'm so grateful for having met Kaisa during my Explore Exchange. She was an amazing roommate and friend - I couldn't have been luckier. Sydney, Kaisa, and I were this inseparable trio.  They were my best friends

I was fortunate enough to get to know Kaisa in my fourth and final year of my time at VIU. She was easy to talk to and was a strong student; we got to work on several group projects together through the year. I got to work on a project with Kaisa on the climbing community in Nanaimo and she was extremely encouraging , as this was something I was not particularly knowledgeable about. My favourite memory was waiting to buy Noah Kahan tickets together during our class.

My deepest condolences to all those lucky enough to know Kaisa.

Dear Wiens family.
I cannot imagine the loss you feel.
As so many have articulated, Kaisa was a delight to know, an adventurer at heart and I am amazed at how much she experienced in 22 years. Kaisa carried herself with a quiet, calm, respectful confidence that belied her age. Wherever she worked, Kaisa was a competent, and confident team member, she almost convinced me to go caving last summer. As a student she was creative, dedicated, thoughtful, and articulate.
Thank you for raising a wonderful young woman, and for sharing her with us.  As we can see from these memories, Kaisa is loved. Paul the Apostle wrote this to help in our groaning, when we don’t know what to say, or how to encourage one another.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
With sorrow for your loss.
Brook 
VIU, Rec/Tour - WIL - Faculty (2013 - 2024)

Kevin and Michele and Talia,

We are greatly sorrowed to hear of your huge loss of your beautiful daughter and sister Kaisa. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God always comfort and guide you. 

Gord and Brenda Wiens and family

I was at elementary school with Kaisa and she was one my good friends. We both ended up going to different schools and eventually embarking on different paths in different cities but I loved following her adventures on instagram and seeing what she was up to. We would always play with her toys at her house and I can remember how many creative stories and adventures we came up with. Kaisa's birthday parties were also always a highlight and I remember one time we got to make abstract art with shaving cream and food coloring. We ended up getting more on ourselves and complaining about how the shaving cream smelled like our dads, but we had a ton of fun and it is a memory I hold dear. I hope she is continuing her adventures wherever she may be, and spreading creativity and love like I know she has always done. My deepest condolences.

I worked with Kaisa in the summer of 2023. We spent almost every day of the four months doing the same job together. Over this time, we had so much fun, whether running through the trees, sitting in the car together, or eating pizza after work. I am so very saddened to hear about her passing. I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful person to spend my time with. My condolences to her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kaisa and spending time on the trails during our runs with the Kamloops Ridge Runners.  She always had a smile on her face and was up for whatever the challenge was for that particular route.  I will never forget her spunk and attitude to live life big.  You sure did have fun doing what you loved.  
Dan and Carol Yancey

I had the privilege of growing up alongside Kaisa all throughout elementary school. Even though we drifted with age, I always kept her in my thoughts and remembered the times we spent together. I remember once we were playing outside, gluing magazine words to rocks and trying to sell them. When my mom came to pick me up, Kaisa and I hid in her bedroom, with the mattress on top of me so I could stay with her longer. This memory has been held close to my heart for as long as I can remember. Whether we were rolling in the snow or climbing her playhouse, we always had the most fun together. 
I’m sure she’s in heaven playing with all the animals and spreading so much love like always. My heart is with your family, and I’m so grateful I spent my adolescence with such a loving, joyful and kind person. Till we meet again sweet girl❤️

Earlier this year, I met Kaisa, a girl that I’d spend the entire summer going on so many different adventures with. My first island summer was unforgettable, thanks to her. Never did I expect that I’d connect with her so quickly and so deeply. 

If you knew Kaisa, you knew she’d never say no to a new adventure. Whether it be climbing, caving, scrambling, hiking, backpacking, or getting to swim with the bioluminescence at 1am one random night in August. 

Saying goodbye when she left for Norway in August was really hard, but we thought we’d be back together again soon. I remember the last night I saw her before she left, we didn’t want to say goodbye. It was “see you before you know it”, not goodbye. I even thought about going to Norway to visit her this winter. We talked about the things we wanted to do when she got back. We made plans. We talked every few days while she was gone. She was so happy. She was having the time of her life. That’s what I will remember. 

Kaisa - Thank you for being my adventure buddy this summer. Thank you for connecting with me on such a unique level. Thank you for loving my best friend. Thank you for loving me and being one of my biggest supporters. Thank you for always being there to listen. Thank you for being such an important force in my life, reminding me to never stop chasing the things I love. Thank you for reminding me to never stop adventuring. 

I will love you forever, and I am so grateful for the impact you had and will continue to have on my life 💗🕊️

To Kaisa's friends and family,

I was shocked and devastated to hear about Kaisa's passing. I worked on various group projects with her at VIU, and I remember how kind and welcoming she always was. Please accept my deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.

May she rest in peace.

Kevin, Michelle and Talia, 
We are shocked and heartbroken to hear of this tragedy. We remember Kaisa’s sweet, kind personality, and her beautiful beaming smile.  She was such a bright light.  Our most sincere condolences to you, on the loss of your precious girl. 
Love Daryn and Catherine Swanson

I met Kaisa at Vancouver Island University where we were both studying Tourism Management. We had all the same classes, and she quickly became someone who I would sit beside in all of them. If we were picking people for a group project, we chose each other. If we had homework, we were working on it together (one time we had an 8 hour day in the library together). Everyone grew to know we were a package deal, to the point where if she was late to class everyone turned to me as I would likely know where she was. 

One thing I truly love and appreciate about Kaisa is her big heart. She would always offer me a ride home from school so I wouldn’t have to take the bus. I cherished these rides home as this was when we would vent about our lives and listen to Noah Kahan. If she knew I was feeling rough she would show up to class with a tea for me. This summer when myself and some of our other classmates were graduating, she was going to come and watch just for us as she wasn’t graduating yet. Although she was unable to make it as she missed the ferry back to Vancouver Island due to one of her adventures she was on, I thought it was the sweetest act of support and friendship. 

Even through our busy lives we made sure to continue to stay in touch. I am so happy that she was able to fit so much adventure and joy into her life. It is truly inspiring. She shaped my university experience, and I could never imagine it without her. 

You will always hold a special place in my heart Kaisa and I will bring you on all my adventures. 🏔️❤️

Dear Kaisa, dear family and friends,

I've had the priviledge to know Kaisa as a creative, inquisitive, smart and kind person. She was in my class last year for statistics (which she aced), experience design (which she aced), and a course on strategic leadership and innovation (in which we all struggled). I was so proud of her and Halley, they had a great idea for an experiential tourism product using natural pigments and indigenous knowledge in art works. Their report was the best student work I had seen that year.

I got to know Kaisa as someone with a passion for the great outdoors, who could be a little shy at first, but liked to have fun when you got to know her. Kaisa and I bonded over the passion for the great outdoors. We would tell each other about our weekend adventures. I had been a climbing instructor at my local climbing gym during my studies and it was great to see her flourish and grow as a guide when I went climbing a couple of times in Nanaimo.

Near the end of the academic year, we were both looking for new opportunities. I found mine in a PhD in Sweden, while Kaisa found hers in a semester abroad in Norway. We kept in touch and found out that we lived only 3 hours apart on the other end of the world. We had plans to meet up for a day of skiing in Are, which unfortunetly is not going to happen.

Kaisa, I will keep you in my heart and bring you on my next outdoor adventure. You are loved and dearly missed, see you on the summit.

Coen van Bendegom
Instructor Recreation and Tourism Management at VIU in 23/24

Kaisa had a very calm demeanour in classes at VIU, but she was always 10 steps ahead of everyone in IBM SPSS, looking around the room to see people clenching their hair and Kaisa was walking around helping us understand statistics.
Spss was not the only thing she was great at, my favourite memory of her is how she taught me to ice skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre. She taught me like I was 5 years old, holding my hand and taking me across the rink, before you know it I crossed the rink by myself. So thank you Kaisa for this gift you have left me with. So kind, so generous, so helpful.

I will always remember you as a kind, generous person with a big heart.

May you rest in peace. You are deeply missed.

When I think of Kaisa I am always transported back to when she played an angel in her school Christmas concert. She was in kindergarten.  There she was, this little 5 year old dressed all in white with her angel blonde hair shining, singing a solo.  She brought tears to my eyes. It was such a beautiful moment.  She was always an angel here on earth.  Now she's an angel in heaven.  Sending all my love.

Although more on the quiet side in school settings, Kaisa always knew the answers. As most of our class would struggle with understanding the concepts of statistics, Kaisa would literally walk around the classroom helping students with the course. She would never shy away from helping us. She had the brains yet stayed so humble. We will miss walking across the stage together in June. 

Picture of a handful of us celebrating when we finished the spring semester of 2024.

OBITUARY

Kaisa Rachele Wiens

13 August, 2002 – 11 October, 2024

Schoening Funeral Service

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