About the Kris Yip Memorial Foundation

The Kris Yip Memorial Foundation was created to honour the life and legacy of Kris Yip, an exceptional athlete and compassionate soul whose passing from undiagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) on January 18, 2023, at he age of 47, left an immeasurable void in the heart of all who knew him.

Born and raised in Prince George, Kris was a lifelong athlete who dedicated himself to excellence both on and off the bike. His cycling journey began at just 14, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become the Junior National Criterium Champion in 1993. He also competed in long track speed skating and cross-country skiing, embracing every challenge with quiet determination and grace. In 2022, Kris proudly represented Team Canada at the UCI Esports Cycling World Championships, achieving a lifelong dream. Less than a year later, he was gone.

Kris's passing was caused by a blood clot that blocked his right coronary artery, the result of a 75% narrowing that had gone undetected. He had no symptoms, no warning, and no second chance. Despite being the picture of health, Kris died from a disease too often missed in athletes. After his death, we learned that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in male athletes over 35, yet awareness and screening guidelines for this group remain limited.

Kris was so much more than an elite athlete; he was a man of remarkable character, balance, and heart. Beyond the podiums and finish lines, he built and led a successful financial business, earning deep respect within his professional community for his integrity, intelligence, and dedication. At home, he was a devoted and loving father, a son to an inspirational mom who shared his passion for the sport, and a brother deeply cherished by his proud sister. Kris embodied humility—quiet and reserved—but his kindness and calm presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A true gentleman in every sense, he led with compassion, patience, and strength, making the world around him better simply by being in it. And while he carried himself with grace and professionalism, Kris also had a cheeky sense of humour and loved a good prank, a reminder that he was always a child at heart, bringing laughter and light to those lucky enough to know him.

Our Purpose

The Kris Yip Memorial Foundation is committed to:

Cycling

Spreading the joy of cycling, just as Kris did, by encouraging people of all fitness levels and abilities to ride. Through the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo, we aim to get more people on bikes and share the message that anyone can "Crush It" in their own way. We also support junior riders in Northern BC, providing grant opportunities for young cyclists to pursue their goals and continue building the next generation of riders.

Cardiac Health

Raising awareness of coronary artery disease in athletes and advocating for cardiac testing and services for those without typical CAD risk factors. Kris's sudden death from CAD was preventable, and we believe that proper cardiac testing should be accessible to all, regardless of fitness level or perceived health. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we aim to change the narrative around athlete heart health, ensuring that fit individuals are no longer overlooked.

Our Work

Our efforts focus on advocacy, education, and community connection. Through initiatives like the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo, we bring people together to celebrate Kris's passion for cycling and his values of kindness, sportsmanship, and inclusion. The Fondo offers riders of all ages and abilities the chance to share the joy of the ride while helping us raise awareness of coronary artery disease in athletes.

How You Can Help

You can be a part of this movement by:

• Joining the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo and riding in honour of Kris and heart health awareness.
• Following and sharing our message on social media to help spread awareness.
• Donating or sponsoring to support our advocacy, education, and youth programs.
• Joining the conversation that fitness doesn't equal immunity to heart disease.

Together, we can honour Kris's memory by turning tragedy into purpose - inspiring change, saving lives, and building a legacy of compassion, awareness, and community.

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is more than just a ride—it's a celebration of cycling in the spirit of Kris. While timing services are provided using number plates and timing chips to track and identify riders for safety, this event is not a race.

It’s an opportunity for cyclists of all levels to come together in an inclusive atmosphere that values sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the joy of riding. Whether you enjoy pushing your limits with friendly competition or prefer a more leisurely pace to soak in the scenery, the choice is yours. Ride at your own pace, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy the journey—all while honouring Kris’s legacy of making cycling welcoming and fun for everyone.

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is proudly organized by the Kris Yip Memorial Foundation, dedicated to honouring Kris’s - kindness, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. Our mission is twofold: to promote the joy of cycling and to raise awareness about the importance of heart health, particularly among athletes.

Our Mission

The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is dedicated to:

• Celebrating the life, values, and passion of Kris Yip by hosting an annual cycling event that brings people together in the spirit of kindness, inclusion, and sportsmanship.
• Promoting heart health and raising awareness of coronary artery disease, particularly in athletes and physically fit individuals, to encourage broader cardiac screening and detection efforts.
• Building a supportive and diverse community of cyclists, fostering participation from all levels, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of experience, feels welcome.
• Raise funds to support heart health research and initiatives that focus on awareness and early detection of coronary artery disease in active populations.
  

Our Vision

To inspire a community where cycling and kindness unite, creating a legacy that celebrates inclusion, sportsmanship, and heart health for all. The Kris Yip Memorial Fondo seeks to be a platform for raising awareness of coronary artery disease while honouring the life and passion of Kris Yip through a shared love of cycling.

Our Values

1. Inclusion
   We welcome cyclists of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds to join in the spirit of participation and togetherness. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo is a place for everyone.
2. Kindness
   Kris embodied kindness in everything he did, and we are committed to fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere, where participants and volunteers feel valued and appreciated.
3. Sportsmanship
   Upholding the highest standards of fairness, respect, and camaraderie, we promote a positive competitive spirit that enhances the experience for all participants.
4. Health Advocacy
   We are committed to raising awareness of heart health, particularly the risks of coronary artery disease in athletes. By sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to save lives through education, detection, and advocacy.
   
5. Community
   Building lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the cycling community is central to the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo. Together, we celebrate Kris's legacy and work towards a healthier, more inclusive future.
6. Fun
   Above all, we aim to create a joyful experience for all participants. The event is as much about celebrating life, joy, and the thrill of cycling as it is about raising awareness and funds for a crucial cause.

June 21, 1975 - January 18, 2023

Kris was born, raised, and proudly called Prince George, BC, home. He was deeply embedded in the community through his passion for cycling, skiing, skating, and financial management business. Kris’s passion for sports was spawned at a very young age where he excelled at everything he tried, including skating, skiing, climbing and beyond. Eventually, cycling became Kris’s focus and his path was set for greatness. While Kris’s cycling accomplishments are many, he had most recently qualified to represent Canada at the UCI Esports World Championships where he aided a teammate to a top-ten finish.

Kris’s Highlights

1993
Kris was Junior National Criterium Champion, in Brandon, Manitoba and rode for the Russian team, Moldavie, at the Tour d'Abitibi in Quebec.

2017
Okanagan GranFondo - 160km
9th overall, 3rd in his age category. 

2019
Whistler GranFondo St. Regis Cup - 122km | 03:15:59
12th overall, 1st in his age category.
Qualified for GranFondo World Series.

2022
Okanagan GranFondo - 153km | 03:49:27
9th overall, 4th in his age category.

Whistler GranFondo - 122km | 03:38:19
3rd overall, 1st in his age category.
2nd place KOM.

Always the sportsman and gentleman, Kris never spoke of his accomplishments, only those of others and will be remembered by those who knew him: Kind. Loving. Gentle. Humble. Dedicated. Patient. Supportive. Welcoming. With the most genuine infectious smile.

Tragically, Kris’s untimely passing on January 18, 2023, was sudden and unexpected, a result of advanced coronary artery disease. Despite being an elite athlete, he faced an invisible enemy with no warning signs.

The Kris Yip Memorial Foundation and the Kris Yip Memorial Fondo aim to ensure Kris’s legacy shines on, raising awareness about heart disease and reminding everyone that it can affect anyone, regardless of their fitness level.

We ride to honour Kris’s life and to remind ourselves that in cycling, as in life, the real victory lies in lifting each other up. So, saddle up, take in the breathtaking views, and most importantly, ride with heart.