The following is from James Reid Funeral Hone – Kingston:
Douglas James Knapp
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas James Knapp at Kingston General Hospital on Saturday, September 21, with family at his side.
Doug was the son of Douglas M. and Mildred (Champion) Knapp of Toronto and the loving husband of Michal Jane Knapp for 66 wonderful years. Predeceased by his parents, his brother Chuck and his son Donald, he will be greatly missed by his brother Bob (Marie) and his sisters Carol (the late George), Helen (the late John) and Ruth, as well as his children Susan (Tom), Brian (Terri), Kerry (René) and Peter (Kim). Also missing their Papa are grandchildren Ashley (Jeremie), Owen and Emma and great-grandchildren Ayva and Isla.
Affectionately known as “Skip,” Doug grew up in Toronto, where he met Mike, the love of his life, at just 17 years old. He dedicated most of his career to teaching at high schools in Kingston and area. Doug’s zest for life shone through in his countless interests, which included sailing, cross-country skiing, gardening, music, travel, square dancing, astronomy and more. It shone perhaps most brightly in his lifelong love of hiking, his founding role in creating the Rideau Trail and converting railways to recreational trails, and in the summers he spent at his beloved cottage on Sydenham Lake, singing around a bonfire or competing fiercely in a game of Pente or ping-pong.
For Mike, Doug was the dearest husband in the world, and for his children, a devoted father. In his teaching, volunteer work and recreational leadership, he was a man who touched many lives. We will take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and his spirit will live on forever in our hearts.
A visitation will take place on Saturday October 19, 2024 at the James Reid Funeral Home 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston starting at 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm. A service will follow in the funeral home’s chapel at 1:00 pm with a reception taking place in the celebration centre from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Special thanks to the KGH Internal Medicine staff who kept him comfortable in his final days
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doug may be made to the UHKF- Internal Medicine department.