Michael (Mike) Gene Knope,

 

Michael (Mike) Gene Knope, 72, of Menifee, CA and formerly Colchester, VT, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Michael was known to most as a gentle, fun-loving, and caring man.  We couldn’t have asked for a better father, brother, husband, or friend.

Michael was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Illinois, and moved to Vermont with his first wife after serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Benjamin Stoddart. He joined IBM in the late 70s and officially retired in 2013. In 2020 he moved to California.

On August 5, 1989, Michael married the love of his life, Gail. They spent many years as a blended family creating amazing memories.  Being a father and stepfather to 5 children, he enjoyed being the captain of the family boat, passing his old Camaro to his daughters to drive, cruising in his Corvette or Jeep, and creating beautiful woodwork in his workshop.  He dedicated his time to supporting his family – whether he was working, building a shed, or holding a camcorder to record his family’s most precious moments.  Gail and Mike spent their time bowling on Thursdays, camping in their RV, or touring New England in their Corvette.

Michael was known to be selfless and honoring of those he loved with the utmost devotion.  He cared for his mother-in-law, without hesitation, after she suffered a stroke, relocating to her home to ensure she was the most comfortable.  Later, he would care for his Gail as she battled Alzheimer’s for many years in their home.

Michael was generous and friendly to all he met. Nicknamed “The Ambassador”, he fostered a close-knit community of Jeep-loving folks across North America who had a common love of humor. He was able to have many fun adventures with them online and offline.  His children wish to thank his Jeep family for the love and joy they gave to their dad/stepdad over the last 2 years.  He spoke highly of the group and of them often.

Michael was predeceased by his wife, Gail Ann Knope, in 2020; his mother, Elvera Knope, father, Harold Knope, and his brother Robert Knope.

Michael leaves behind his 5 children, Kim (Dave) Gray, Jeremy (Amity) Knope, Keely (Tom) Power, Katie (Paul) Leclerc, and Kyle (Monica) Bouchard.  He was blessed to be a Grampa to 9 grandchildren: Otis & Macy, Maeve, Max, & Marleigh, Lauren & Ryan, and Willow & Levi.   He also leaves behind his sister, Judy, and her partner, Kim.

The family is eternally grateful for all who have supported Michael over the years: his neighbors who have treated him like family, IBM friends, Thursday night bowling buddies, RV friends, his long-time doctor and friend, and his Jeep crew. You know who you are.

The family also wishes to thank the medical care team at University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake 6SA for their care and support for Mike during the final weeks of his life.

A celebration of Michael’s life is planned for the weekend of July 15th 2023, in Vermont.  Details will be announced soon.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Michael’s name to the Vermont Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association or to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

8 Responses to “Michael (Mike) Gene Knope,”

  • Susie Regalia says:

    Kim and family – I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.

  • DAN RODGERS says:

    Thank You, Mike, For being a part of my journey. I miss our shop talk already. You will be dearly missed, my Friend!

    -Danno

  • Billy says:

    Miss you Mike. Thank you for being such a good friend, listening to my troubles (he called it whining) and for making sawdust on my behalf. Godspeed my old brother.

  • Laura says:

    Thank you, Mike. You taught me so many lessons about how to live life, how to love your friends, and how to continue to laugh, through whatever life brings. I am so grateful to have been able to call you a friend.

  • JR says:

    Mike, you’re one of the kindest souls I know. Thanks for being an amazing person to all those around you. Thanks for not sugarcoating things. Thanks for the cutting boards, though I think you cursed the chaos board. I haven’t cut myself or injured myself as much as I have with it; perhaps it’s the mesmerizing pattern. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to froad with you.
    Mike’s family, bless you all, Mike will be missed by many, and you, his family will be in our thoughts/prayers.

  • Sean Lassiter says:

    Mike was a much better friend than many of us in the Jeep community would have expected him to be. I was very glad to have been his friend and to have met him in person. The world is a lesser place without him.

    God Bless his family.

  • Jim Lee says:

    Condolences to Mike’s family. Mike was a great friend to many, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

  • Robie Stem says:

    I so miss Mike calling me and asking “How’s my redneck buddy doin?”
    He was one of the best all around folks I ever met. He is missed and will continue to be missed.

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