Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp

Obituary of Richard Knapp

On the morning of January 27, 2020, the world lost one of the funniest, most well-loved, and happiest men on earth, Richard Knapp.  Dick was born January 8, 1947 in Seattle, Washington, to Don and Ruth Knapp.  He grew up in Kent, and graduated from Federal Way High in 1965.  


Dick married the love of his life and best friend, Mari Woodworth, on May 1, 1971.  Together they had three wonderful children--Dayna, Brooke and Seth.  

 

Dick spent 26 fun-filled years working as the custodian for his beloved Meadows Elementary.  He always said this wasn’t a real job, since he got to hang out with what became his lifelong friends.

 

With his wife and his children at his side, Dick built their house with his own hands.  Their property is littered with many of Dick’s amazing pieces of artwork, including the signature giraffe, which still gazes over the lake.

 

When it came to art, Dick had a vision most don’t--building fun, quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces out of discarded items.  His artwork reflected his personality--unique, bold and fun.

 

He was a jokester first and foremost, never missing an opportunity to make people laugh.  Because of this, Dick quickly made friends and kept them for life. He never met a person he didn’t like.

 

He also never met an animal he didn’t like.  What he loved best was sitting on his deck overlooking the lake, watching the birds, squirrels and occasional deer, listening to music with his crossword in hand, and his dog at his side.

 

Dick is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mari; his three children, Dayna, Brooke and Seth, and their spouses; five grandchildren, Logan, Lily, Rylea, Samson and Arlo; and his two sisters, Janet and Jeannie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

 

His family would be pleased if you would join them in celebrating his life on Saturday, February 15, 2020, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503.  We would love to see everyone in their best “Dick” attire - Hawaiian, flamingo, fun bright shirts. At Dick’s request, please be prepared to “laugh and dance until you’re sweaty.” 


In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in support of wild birds, which he loved watching and learning about while sitting on his deck.  Donations in Dick’s name may be made to Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue either online (http://www.raindancerwildbirdrescue.org/) or via mail at PO Box 11428, Olympia, WA 98508.

 

If there was one thing that Dick loved more than anything, it was his family, and we are going to miss him beyond words.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos of Dick on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Knapp, please visit Tribute Store
Saturday
15
February

Celebration of Life

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Lacey Community Center
6729 Pacific Ave. SE
Lacey, Washington, United States
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