Will was born in Fort McMurray, Alberta on December 13, 2003, to Hilda and Will Kristman and big sister Katie. Will was lucky enough to land in a place with a big spirit and heart made of kids, parents, teachers, coaches, and neighbours – a community full of those whom he would come to know as future friends, playmates, schoolmates, and teammates.
Will was a very active, confident, and content little boy – always happy and smiling and moving. He left a lasting impression on his classmates and teachers at St Anne school.
Will began downhill skiing with the Vista Ridge learn-to-ski program at the age of four. The instructors built a mountain of confidence in little Will and after moving through the learning levels, he followed his big sister to the Fort McMurray Competitive Ski Society where he learned to race. Every weekend from December to March, the young skiers played in the winter cold and snow on the steep runs of the Clearwater River bank. Will always enjoyed the bus ride on those long mountain trips – sharing the experience with the other racers.
Will also followed his sister’s footsteps to the Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association. Like all future stars, he began his soccer experience as a four-year-old member of a Timbit team. Will and his mates played on the grass in summer and indoors in winter. Will was selected to play for the traveling team, the Boys U10 Fury. He was so proud to wear the keeper jersey. A traveling team always creates special friendships and Will made the most of that aspect of the game. Will was a friend to all and never failed to be the first to introduce himself to the new kid on the team.
William Lewis Kristman, died suddenly from an undiagnosed and unknown heart condition on February 9, 2013, at the age of nine. At the time of Will’s death, a trust fund was established in his memory. The trust was a way to recognize those things we loved about Will and promote these qualities for the benefit of our community.
The Will Kristman Memorial Trust is funded entirely by donations from community members, friends and family. Fort McMurray businesses have supported the trust from early on and continue to this day.
The Will Kristman Memorial Trust provides financial support to Fort McMurray youth through scholarships and awards for education and sport. It is our belief this vision for our community is aligned with that of KidSport Wood Buffalo.
We are honoured to build a relationship with KidSport Wood Buffalo in support of youth in our community… in memory of a little boy who took everything, life had to offer.
Loved always, forever missed,
Mom, Dad and Katie
