Kantner Kiva David Silven

September 30, 1992-June 20, 2022

Kantner Kiva David Silven, 29, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022 in Portland, OR. Kantner was born on September 30, 1992 in Baker City, OR. He was a bright blue-eyed, chubby, blonde baby that was adventurous, active, and fearless. He started traveling the world his first year of life and by the age of four had traveled more places than most adults.

He grew into a caring man who loved to cook, work with his hands, snuggle his pup, Lola, and dream about the day he could live on a farm. He enjoyed reading, history, sharing the things he had learned, and being outdoors in the fresh air.

If you asked Kantner what his strengths were, he would have told you loyalty and passion. He cared deeply about his people and was known to check in to tell them how much he loved them. He was a beautiful and intelligent man who felt deeply and loved unconditionally.

Kantner also faced challenges in life. He battled addiction and mental health issues and was well aware of the stigma society places on these struggles. He never wanted to be defined by these challenges. Sadly, Kantner took his own life. He had been waiting for an appointment in July to receive help.

“… when a person dies he only appears to die. He is still very much alive in the past, so it is very silly for people to cry at his funeral. All moments, past, present and future, always have existed, always will exist.” ~Kurt Vonnegut

Kantner is survived by his mother Jonna Taylor, of Vancouver, WA; sister, Nicole (Taylor) Niederhofer; grandparents, Richard and Sally Lien; many aunts, uncles, cousins and his girlfriend of four years, Natalie Becerra. He is preceded in death by his father, Timothy Silven and his grandparents, David and Katherine Silven of Baker City, OR.

His family would like to join together and hear the stories from his past. A Celebration of Life is planned for July 16th, 2022 at his uncle Justin Taylor’s home in Woodland, WA. For more information please reach out to his sister, Nicole at nnieds@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made in honor of Kantner to the Crisis Text Line through a page we have set up at www.classy.org, CLICK HERE

As a society, we need to do better to help our community members in crisis. Since 2013, Crisis Text Line has served six million people who struggle with the same challenges Kantner had.