Obituary of Elijah Bjorn Kerslake

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected, and sudden passing of Elijah Bjorn Kerslake on August 3, 2022 at the age of 22. Our beautiful boy died at home in Saskatoon.

Elijah leaves behind his mother Lynn Bjorndalen, his father Danny Kerslake, his sister Olivia Kerslake and his grandmothers Bernice Bjorndalen and Violet Kerslake. His family includes many aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves an infinite list of others who loved him.

Elijah was born in Regina on March 18, 2000, and lived in Prince Albert before the family settled in Saskatoon. Eli was the second of two children. As a child, he excelled at exasperating his sister with his non-stop chatter, but that’s what little brothers are supposed to do. He was a happy, fun loving boy whose infectious and limitless energy brought so much joy and laughter.

Elijah was an athlete who played both hockey and football in his early years. But his passion was skateboarding, and he spent countless hours at the Lions SkatePark and on the streets fearlessly perfecting tricks. Eli was also an avid urban snowboarder, and although he was a prairie kid, he took to surfing like a natural.

Eli was also a graffiti artist. His work lives on all over Saskatoon, but he also applied his talents to canvas, paper or scraps of wood (whatever he could find) creating colourful tags that sometimes hinted at an urban style of abstract expressionism. Elijah often gifted personalized graffiti pieces to family and friends. Art was his love language.

He grew to be a strong and tough young man, but Elijah had a sweet, very sensitive soul that may have left him feeling far too vulnerable in this world. He did his best to protect his heart. Yet, he could surprise you by opening up with spontaneous acts of kindness and affection that would leave a feeling of comfort and connection.

Like so many of us, Eli struggled to find his way. The last years of his life were not easy. Over the last six months though, he was slowly but methodically moving onto the right path. Elijah was doing the right things, and his parents were so proud of him. But something happened, and Elijah’s journey in this life ended with a heartbreaking turn.

As the family continues to struggle with this loss, there will be no public funeral service. Elijah’s life will be celebrated privately at a later date. He will live on in our hearts.

If you wish to make a memorial donation please give to a charity that speaks to your heart. The family humbly suggests the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, or any charity that supports young people. The family will also establish a fund in Elijah’s name to benefit the Lions SkatePark, a place he loved so much.