Eugene Harold " Jay" Knutson

Jay was born on September 3, 1944, in Story City, Iowa, to Mamie Louise Johnson Knutson and Harold Eugene Knutson, who was serving his country at the time. Jay lived in numerous smaller towns in Iowa while his father worked for Cargill, Inc. The family moved to Wayzata, MN where Jay graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1962.

Jay attended the Colorado School of Mines for one and one-half years, transferring to the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1965. At CU, he became interested in computers working for IBM while qualifying for in-state residency and got involved with computer simulation research. Jay graduated from CU in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree with areas of emphasis in International Business, Marketing, and Economics.

After graduation, a career of serial entrepreneurship for nearly 55 years commenced. His ventures spanned the fields of high Bandwidth Communications, Investment Banking and Venture Capital, Large Mainframe Computer Architecture and Database Design and most recently having owned Longs Peak Equipment, the John Deere Dealership in Longmont, CO. Jay learned to fly at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (formerly Jeffco) in January 1975 and has been based at no other airport.

Jay was a devoted husband, marrying the love of his life, Suzanne Ellen White, in 1979. He was a dedicated father to Geoffrey Knutson (Amy) and Jennifer Knutson Frawley (Thomas); a grandfather to Spencer Isaac and Harper Lynne Knutson, and Maxwell Eugene and Arielle Olivia Frawley; a brother to Colt Knutson and Anne (Knutson) Kelley.

Jay cherished his family, friendships, and found immense joy in flying, University of Colorado football, and working on his property to create his family’s own paradise in South Boulder. In 2016, Jay and Suzy were inducted into the University of Colorado C Club and awarded honorary letters for their years of support of Colorado Athletics. Jay was a mentor and friend to many, always willing to share his knowledge, offer guidance, and champion the ambitions of others. His booming laugh, storytelling, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.

Though his physical presence is gone, the memories and stories Jay left with those who enjoyed his love and friendship will forever remain a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on their community.

A service to celebrate Jay's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 1pm-4pm at the University of Colorado stadium at Folsom field (club level).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Knutson Family Endowed Football Scholarship Fund which benefits the Athletics Department at the University of Colorado Boulder. The fund shall be used to provide scholarship awards to student-athletes in the football program: http://cubuffclub.com/knutson