Russell Harley Knapp
September 5, 1922 - January 30, 2008
Obituary
Russell Harley Knapp
Passed peacefully aged 85, 30 Jan. 2008 in Seattle from complications of pneumonia. Born 5 Sept. 1922 in Riverton, WA. Survived by wife of 59 years Kathleen; daughter Gail Merrick James of Stanwood; sons Edward Knapp Lanette of Enumclaw & Scott Knapp Debbie of Mukilteo; and sister Phyllis Storvick of Normandy Park. Grandchildren: Dillon & Alex Merrick; Sarah Knapp; Randy & Teresa Knapp. Russ served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 1944-1946. After receiving BS ME from University of Washington in 1949, Russ began 33 year career with Boeing Military & Space as a program manager. Based primarily in Seattle and Huntsville, AL with his family, Russ and Kathleen spent several years in Gerrard’s Cross near London before his retirement from Boeing Naval Systems. Russ and Kathleen have most recently been members of Queen City Yacht Club and Glen Acres Golf Club. Russ was a Mason, an avid boater, private pilot, marksman, flying model builder and U.S. history buff. Foremost, Russ was a much beloved husband, father and grandfather. A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held for Russ at 2pm Feb. 24 at Queen City Yacht Club – 2608 Boyer Ave. E., Seattle. The family asks that donations be made to any worthy charity.
Many good memories of playing golf with Russ at Glen Acres and BMA Platinum League. I remember seeing the beautiful model of the Boeing 100 that Russ built — truly a work of art. My sympathy and best wishes to Kathleen and the family. Dick
My thoughts are with you all, Kathleen, Ted, Scott, and Gail as you say goodbye to your wonderful husband and father. What sweet memories he leaves behind for all of us!
I was the Sales Manager for military hydrofoils at Boeng Marine Systems from 1973 until 1988. Russ was the commercial side of the house. We travelled together all over Europe and became friends. One memorable trip we shared, was to India in 1978 or 1979. We visited together the Taj Mahal and spent 13 hours sitting on the wooden benches of a local bus with square wheels. Later we took a train with 5 million sic Indians leaving Bombay at 5:00pm. We travelled in third class. Russ was always very upset with my travel arrangements, as I was too adventurous for him …and cheap.
My sincere condelences to his family. I loved the guy…
Bob Herschkowitz
Dear Kathleen and family,
Our love reaches out to you from the snow covered mountains of Tehachapi. Our family has always loved and kept touch with yours over the years. Your Christmas letter with all your recent family photos has been enjoyed and shared with Janie and Marianne several times since its arrival. Our Mama, Annabelle, loved you SO much and then Marianne took over keeping us up-to-date with your adventures…and “what times” they were. How VERY LUCKY you have been to share almost 60 years…and have such a beautiful family that will love and support you and keep you from feeling alone. Russ leaves an incredible mark on all that knew him…I’m remembering MY father,and the laughter he and Russ shared many times. Please know that our love and hearts are close to you and your children and we’ll be remembering happy times with you!
I first met Russ as my supervisor at Boeing, later we were busiess associates in the travel busines, but most of all I considered him a great friend. He was a true gentleman. I feel fortunate to have known Russ,he will be missed.
Russ was a wonderful gentleman who made me felt welcome as a new member of Glen Acres years ago. He encouraged me, always had a kind word, a wave on the course and was always enjoyable to play with. He will be missed at the Glen by all who enjoyed his company.
As a high school friend of Ted’s, Mr. Knapp always reminded me of those TV Dads of the day, a cross between Robert Young on “Father Knows Best” and Hugh Beaumont on “Leave It to Beaver”. He was unfailingly nice to me, as was Ted’s Mom. I celebrate with the Knapp family the life of a great man. I will end with a verse from Psalms 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” The world is diminished by Russell’s passing, but Heaven is increased.
Dear Scott and Debbie,
We were so sorry to read of your father’s passing in the paper this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time.
Rick and Ellyn
Nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost… because all precious things live on in memory… forever” —Anonymous