RIP Kellen Saip. I'm stunned by this news. 2020 strikes again. Kellen was an amazing friend to all he knew and was a loving father and husband. He will be missed by so many. Kellen helped me to re-find my musical voice at a difficult time. He asked once why I didn't write my owns songs and I responded, why should when there are so many great songs to cover? He replied, if you don't write songs we'll never hear your voice, your story that is unique to you. I've been writing ever since. Forever grateful, miss our time together.
Jonathan Hughes
It's at this time the Norman clan is having a tough go. Typically we would have been getting ready for a tour with Kellen. Our most memorable times as a family were with him and for now it's all we are left with. He's a constant reminder of the type of person everyone needs in their life. Someone who is willing to sit down for hours and hash out the hard stuff, who is always gonna bring you along for the ride, and will constantly remind you of your gifts and that you gotta use them or lose them. This time last year was the last time I shared the stage with @kellensaipmusic . I could recall every single little detail about this show whether it was how many times he asked me if farted during a song or between(over the microphone in front of a sold out crowd), how he would remind me that my beer had to be finished before the end of our set, how he would be in the middle of a song and literally pretend he'd fallen asleep for a brief second then continue on like nothing happened. I miss that the most. Sure, lead worship every other weekend on a stage but promise you that nothing could add up to what this night was like for Kellen and I. Yes, we have lots of Holy Spirit moments at church but promise you that some of the greatest times I've encountered the Lord was standing beside this man under the lights. Kellen, we continue to think of you and miss you every day. I'm honoured to play a significant part on the day of your memorial and can't wait to see you once again bring everyone together like you always did and continue to do. Love you big Kel.
@joshnormanofficial
Legends live and Legends die Kellen Saip you were more than a legend you were a brother a sister to some and a great musician. but you were a hero to many and one hell of a great father you did anything for your children. I'm sad to hear about your passing. I was just talking to you a couple days ago and you were in great spirits. I hadn't talked to you since last year and we had a great convo. When I heard the news today I didn't want to believe it, I'm so sorry to hear about your passing. You were such a great friend and had a heart of gold you will be missed by many luv yah bud.
Russell Bissett
It was late 2017. I walked into Old Yale Brewing for the first time. Theard they had open mics, and it was hosted by a tall handsome man by the name of Kellen Saip. wandered in there with a bit of a heavy mind, and a heart still sad and broken from a relationship gone south not too long before then. Got me a tall pint, sat down, and listened to the live tunes.That was the first time I heard Kellen in person, and it blew me away. He lifted me right up, and felt I was just there in the moment, taking in, and basking in his everlasting light. had my guitar on me, and it didn't take long for him to notice, so he came up shook my hand, we introduced ourselves, and went up and played. After my set, he came up to me and said, "WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU COME FROM?! THAT WAS AWESOME!" From then we clicked, and he became a big brother to me. Over the years he always cheered me on, and would pick me up whenever I had doubts in my life. I looked up to him so much. He was sucha driven soul, in all aspects of life.He cared so deeply for his family, his friends, and his passion. If it wasn't for him, I probably would've never gotten the chance to meet, work with Sonny Rozsa, from Rosewood Studio & Production, and put together my record 'Just As Lost', back in 2018. During the whole process of the production of 'Just As Lost spoke to him a lot about how excited was to finally put together my first little record, and he shared that same enthusiasm with me, feeling just as happy, and excited as I was. It felt so real, and I was so happy, especially sharing that time and moment with a pro like him. If it wasn't for you Kellen, I don't know where I'd be right now. You came into my life, and you did so much for me in just the short time we knew each other, and I IMMENSELY appreciate you so much for that. You were my fucking brother, and wish could've done so much more for you. Here's a video we did together, covering a song we both loved. I hope you guys will check it out. Also, you can find Kellen's music on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, and know there's MORE, as that guy covered all grounds and didn't waste time, haha, so if any of my friends on here nowhere else we can find his music, please post it in the comments below. His music is so beautiful, so moving, and it needs to be heard love you, and I'm gonna miss you so much, Kellen. From your boy, Nelly
Nelson Padilla
There are honestly no words...My heartfelt condolences to Amy and family. There are many accomplishments since I have met you that would not have been achieved if not for you. I could never pay that back. You were a good friend, had a great heart and believed not only in myself, but all that shared your company. You will be missed immensely. Rest in peace Kellen Saip, my friend.
Geoff Moore
Devastated to hear about the loss of Kellen Saip He trusted me with doing my first colour tattoo. And it was a BLAST every time we got to hangout. Please consider donating to this gofundme to support his family. Or purchase his music.
Nick Boyczuk
You've been the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for the constant laughs and good times. Thank you for pushing me to my limits with music and what it's like to really dive into my passion. You'll never be forgotten and you'll always hold a special place in my heart. Our door will always be open for you along your travels. We love you Kellen. And we will miss you deeply.
Josh Norman
I first met the beautiful soul we know as Kellen Saip in his basement. He invited Dear One to open for him and The Great Atlas at the first ever Home Hearted Showcase. I have never had more fun on a stage than I did that night. Although these performances where I was privileged enough to play alongside him were right up there. Kellen treated me like family from the moment I walked through his door. I love this man and his little family. Please, check out their GoFundMe or go buy his music on Bandcamp next weekend, when they waive their fees. The link is in my bio. Please help out this wonderful family.
Ryan Harvey
Bear bones, last call has rolled around and we'll never forget your name. We love you.
Kelsea Moroshkin
My sweet friend. You brought so much to those who were lucky enough to know you. Your big heart, talent and unforgettable wit will be so missed. My heart goes out to your three girls. Amy Saip they meant the world to you. Rest well Keller. Kellen Saip
Kirsten Swin
"Live your life and never let them get you down. Keep your head high and your feet on the ground." - Kellen Saip. The world lost a one of a kind individual today and it is so fucking heartbreaking. A beautiful son, brother, husband and father has passed. Two little girls no longer have a father, and his wonderful partner has lost her husband. I had the honour of spending intimate time with Kellen collaborating on his first release. My little Willow, only one-year-old at the time, loved to have breakfast with him. Kellen called her his little morning buddy! We shared a lot of laughs and vulnerability. I can't imagine the road ahead for his wife and daughters. Buy and stream Kellen "Bear Bones" Saip music. I will post a gofundme page immediately after this post and include a link in this one. It was for his initial medical troubles and this is a tragic and unexpected passing.
Cory Woodward
The space you held in my life will be impossible to fill. Love you brother.
Jared Cook
Sad day today. R.I.P thank you for being you and your music.
Karla Tremblay
My dearest Kellen Saip, I am going to miss your incredible heart. The first day I met you was completely welcomed into your life & beautifully experienced the beauty, love, musicianship & friendship that you provided unrelentingly. Those songs I had the pleasure of playing drums on for your album this summer are constantly rolling through my head (you ALWAYS wrote catchy shit, pulling from the ethereal with no hesitation). No matter what was happening - you were always making music, and bringing people together. I will cherish & reflect on our memories forever. I love you, my "spa bud". @ Chilliwack, British Columbia
Justin Hauck
Dear Kellen, Our worlds touched just a few short months ago. We were just a "friend of a friend" as many friends are. We'd never met, never chatted, nor did ever have the privilege of seeing you perform in person. From the first moments of our too-brief friendship, though, I could tell that you were an extraordinary being. Your gentle nature uplifted everyone around you, and your warm heart radiated love and kindness. People seemed to gravitate towards your cheerful spirit and easy smile. My heart breaks for your family, and it aches for all those who love you and now desperately miss you. Their outpouring of love for you is truly amazing, and stands as a testament to your amazing soul. My deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loves you. The world didn't deserve someone as special as you, Kellen, but please rest assured that you made the world a better place in the short time that you were here. Your friend,Lynn.
Lynn Hetzler
Kel. Can't believe have to say goodbye. I feel so blessed to have had you as a close friend for the last 15+yrs. You lived life unapologetically and always pursued your passions. Absolutely heartbroken you won't be able to stand beside me when tying the knot. Even more torn you won't be a part of all the things that follow. never forget our heartfelt convos, I remember you cried just as hard as did when my mother passed. I remember our talks of life and love, exchanging truths without judgment and that high pitched chimpanzee laugh you did when something was REALLY funny. You were the definition of compassionate and you taught me much. promise to think and talk about you often and always. The amount of lives you left your mark on over the last day has blown my mind, more than most people do in a lifetime. I know without a doubt that you will live through your music and the memories you created with so many people, especially myself. I have sought comfort in this but so heartbroken this is reality. love and miss you. Hold down the fort while we finish our business down here. Godspeed brother. Please support his family by downloading his music and donating to the GoFundMe page. He has a wife and 2 girls that will need as much support as possible through this.
Dareck W. Mckay
Kellen, you were such a light in this world. Everyone that knew you knew your joy for life, your kind "old soul" and the magical way you made people feel loved and heard in a matter of seconds. Some of my favourite moments with you were when you would sit down to show us a new song you wrote, I never understood how each one would just blow me away completely. 6 years with you was not even close to enough and will always cherish the memories and laughs we've shared. Thank you for being an incredible friend to Dareck and for being such a loving husband and father to your beautiful girls. I love you forever "uncle Kell", life won't be the same without you.
Tori Maynes
Kellen Saip. The past few days have been a bit of a blur sincel found out you left this earth. You wrote to me one day in December 2016 wanting to play a show with me, and after hearing your music, I was all in.We've played a handful of shows around Vancouver and even in your home. You always had such positive things to say and you were always such a huge support of everything. You would try so hard to come to all of my shows and would invite me to every single thing you were doing. I'm going to miss your ridiculous text messages, your silly selfies, and videos of songs that you're working on that no one else knows about. It's been incredible watching you grow as a musician and a father over the past few years. This world was a better place with you in it and there is definitely a very very deep hole with you gone. You are by far one of the sweetest people I've ever met with a heart of gold who loves his wife, his kids, music, and of course, beer. You are by far one of the sweetest people I've ever met with a heart of gold who loves his wife, his kids, music, and of course, beer. May you rest in peace my friend. Till we meet again.
Leah Nicole Barley
Hats off to you my friend. You will be missed but I know we will see you again.
Chris Stickney
This was supposed to be the week that we all started releasing our #kellensaipcovers. The idea was to help him and Amy lighten the financial burden of Kellen being unable to work or perform while he recuperated from his surgery. Things obviously took an unexpected turn and don't think any of us are currently capable of bringing ourselves to sing Kellen's songs right now. But please do consider buying his music on Bandcamp (links below) and/or donating to the Saip Family Go Fund Me (also linked below). There will be things in the works and we're all thinking about ways we can honour our friend and support his family. In the meantime, we have the gifts he left us in his music and in the memories so many of us have made with him. Kellen "Bear Bones" Saip
Ben Crosby
To say we are heartbroken would be such an understatement... The world lost a gem of a man and one of my all time favourite artists suddenly last week... his beautiful wife and two young daughters have lost their whole world. Please consider donating a few bucks and buying his albums on Bandcamp to help ease the burden of expenses so his family can focus on grieving and picking up the pieces of such a catastrophic loss. Kellen Saip... my God, we were SO LUCKY to have been in your orbit for the last few years... you were like a long lost brother, a musical cohort, the biggest cheerleader of your people and one of those folks that lights up a room & makes everyone feel like family. Thank you for gracing earth with your presence, however short a time... we're gonna miss you, brother.
Sammi Morelli
Many kind words have been shared about our friend Kelen. The shock and tragedy of his passing are too painful to fathom. He was a loyal friend, a faithful man, and a generous husband and father. His songwriting was the truest expression of his old soul that lifted, inspired and touched all of those that loved him. We will miss his talent, his humour, and his ability to selflessly show us the best parts of ourselves. May he rest and may we meet again.
Tanya Crowell
Kellen Saip became my closest friend over an absurdly short amount of time. And I'm far from the only person out there who can say that. I'm at a loss for words. I'm just at a loss. He was the kindest person I know. Top 5 funniest. And there's nothing I wouldn't give for this all to be a bad dream.
Ben Crosby
The world lost a special one. Kellen was a beautiful mixture of so many things, passion, talent, sense of humor and most of all his ability to fill a room with emotion. From the first time I met him, this guy inspired me to make music, and appreciate the things I could do. His time was cut far to short, I have no words for this. His ability to impact people will live on through his music. His ability to share much of himself in the time he had is truly an inspiration. Rest In Peace Pal, we will all keep the music going for you! If anyone is able there is a go fund me set up for his beautiful wife...
Jared Gillard
So we've been nominated for a Folk award for the Fraser Valley Music Awards! Cool stuff! As well as the category nominations there is a fan vote aspect to it called the "Dakota Leslie Memorial Fan Vote' ' which involves a cash prize for those of who win. In the running for this award is our friend Kellen "Bear Bones'' Saip who tragically passed away on October 30th. He was a career musician here in Chilliwack. You may have seen him hosting Open Mics at Old Yale, The Best Western Embassy, and Flashback brewery, as well as playing many many shows in BC, and across Canada. Not only a musician, he was a father and a husband as well. You have to vote for 3 musicians for the vote to be considered valid, and we encourage anyone wanting to take part in the vote, to check out the other nominees and place your votes where you think they are deserved. But we will say, If anyone deserves votes this FVMA cycle it's him.
@wearelikebears
Kellen, you were the friend I didn't know I needed. You came into my life and filled a space in my heart that I didn't know needed filling. This past year has been very hard with you. You were a rock for so many people, myself included. In a short time you went from another musician I was aware of, to a peer and colleague, to an inspiration and friend, to a brother and best friend. Being a working musician can be a lonely thing. We tend to have lots of friendly acquaintances and well wishers, but few truly close friends. You were the first true heart to heart friend I had made in a very long time. I'm so thankful for that. You welcomed Miranda and I into your family, and in doing so, made them our family too. That's no small thing to us. Our own families being on the other side of the country, you gave us such a special gift in them. We have so much love for Amy, and Esmae, and Finley, and Connie, and Grant, and Linden. You introduced me to your inner circle. Truly good people that I am so thankful to call friends of my own now. It's been said a lot over the last year that bringing people together was your true talent, music was a conduit for that. You had a knack for seeing good in people, and for making them feel seen and welcome. That was your true work I think. I was happy to realize yesterday that the space in my heart that you filled is not closed off and empty with you gone. Its tender and healing, but I think it's actually a bit bigger for having you in it. And you're still there. The term "doing God's work" get thrown around a lot, often by people who are doing just the opposite. But your work was God's work. Your work was Kindness and Empathy. It was Compassion and Community. It was Love and it was Helping. That's the work that you've left to the rest of us. That's God's work. Thank you for letting me work with you for a short time. I promise to keep it up as best I can. Thank you for being my friend. I love you and miss you always. I know when my day comes, I'll see you on the other side. "In these songs is where I belong, they take me home every time they're on" Where I Belong - Kellen Saip. "I need some sort of comfort to help get me through this day" Down - Kellen Saip. "Lay there bluebird, your wings will heal" Bluebird - Kellen Saip. "Kiss my loved ones good night" Longevity - Kellen Saip.
Ben Crosby
A friend. A brother. An inspiration. When I first met you, you invited me to your house. And on the wall in the living room was a sign that read “come as friends and leave as family”. That was the truth. Yesterday all your friends turned family gathered to celebrate your life. How a single man could touch hundreds of people to the depth that you had is incredible. All of them considered you a best friend. You inspired me and helped me grow as an artist, a writer and a producer. I wouldn’t be here continuing to do what I’m doing if it weren’t for you. Your songs were crafted with the threads of the gospel and you shared it every night. It changed my whole perspective on what God was and what being a Christian meant. You had said that I was Christian but I just didn’t know it yet. Haha you were right. I’m glad you chose to share your life and music with me. You welcomed me into your family and I’m watching your two daughters grow up and them calling me uncle Jordain is something I really cherish. It was always and will always be a great honour to have known you Kel. Love ya brother ❤️
