Bernard 'Bernie' L. Knapp Sr., 76
June 8, 1934 - Jan. 23, 2011
Bernie Knapp Sr., a Coeur d'Alene resident, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Jan. 23, 2011, at Kootenai Medical Center after a brief and unexpected illness. His loving wife, Ann, was by his side. Bernie was born in Great Falls, Mont., to Beryl L. Knapp and Theodora Morack. He was the only son in a family that included sisters, Alice, Dolly, Nancy and Beryl.
He grew up on a ranch near Trail Creek, Mont. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., and proudly served with distinction for 10 years. He was a Korea veteran. While serving he met and married his first wife, Lois MacLennan of Chicago, Ill. Together they had eight children. Shortly after separating from the Marines, the family moved to Bremerton, Wash., where he was employed as a civilian at the Naval Submarine Base Bangor. Upon taking an early retirement from his position at Sub Base Bangor in 1970, he moved his family to Rose Lake.
Bernie returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at the University of Idaho. He was employed at North Idaho College for many years as a teacher and administrator. He often said those were the best jobs he ever had. He was proud of the vocational technical programs he helped to build. He was responsible for starting many of the evening classes offered by NIC in several North Idaho communities. He was especially proud of the fact he was able to obtain the National Guard Armory for NIC from the state of Idaho for $1. He received numerous awards for his work, including Vocational Director and Program of the year several times. He also worked as an educator at Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston and as Director of Apprenticeship and Training at Spokane Home Builders.
Bernie had a great sense of humor and loved the outdoors. He excelled at trout fishing and enjoyed hunting, hiking and camping. He loved to sit around the campfire telling stories. He passed his great knowledge of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren, stressing to always "leave your campsite in better condition than you found it."
Bernie wanted to be remembered by friends and family as an honorable man and a proud Marine. He loved his wife, family and friends. He and his wife, Ann, had 22 years and two months together. Those years and months were filled with love, kindness, strength and support for each other. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He delighted in all of their accomplishments and loved to give them advice. Bernie enjoyed telling and retelling stories from his experiences. He was planning to write a book of memoirs to share with his family. He loved all animals. He and his wife enjoyed a home in the country that was often visited by an array of deer, elk, moose, cougars, bears, wild turkeys, a bobcat and a red fox. He fed the birds and delighted in their antics. He could enjoy his love of the outdoors every day from his home. His last 22 years were filled with profound peace, joy and love.
At his request, no service will be held. His ashes will be spread in Montana at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any humane society, animal shelter, Hospice or to a scholarship which will be established in his memory to support NIC students who plan to follow a similar career path. A special thanks to all of the medical personnel who provided exemplary care for Bernie (and his family) during his last days. We are all very appreciative of everything you did for him.
Bernie is preceded in death by both of his parents, four sisters, two grandchildren and a great-grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; his eight children, Barbara DeHart, William Knapp (Teresa), Michael Knapp (Amy), Bernard Knapp Jr., Thomas Knapp, David Knapp, Julie Hamilton and Kathi Smith; two stepchildren, Terry Judd (Alice) and Patty Brunell (Keith); 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Bernie was a very special man, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Semper Fi.
Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please sign Bernie's online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.