Gilbert Arthur Knutson

It is with great sorrow and true heartbreak that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Gil(bert) A. Knutson.

Gil was born on Oct.20th, 1948, and spent his early years in the town of Agassiz, BC, living with his father. From the age of 17 to the age of 20 he stayed at Ma Walker's group home, making many lifelong friends there. As these boys grew into men, Gil remained in contact with many of his "brothers". Gil was married twice. First to Kristy's Mother, Jan, and secondly to Shelley and Stacy's mom, Anabelle. Gil and Linda (Lindsay and Megan's mom) reunited, after spending their childhood in the same town and neighbourhood, in the year 1992. They would stay together through thick and thin for the next 30 years. He was stepfather to a gaggle of girls, and always stepped up to be a good example and active father figure. With Kristy, though, he found a like soul that loved so much that he loved. They went camping frequently and had many adventures in the great outdoors when Kris was small.

He graduated with a Masters Degree in Education in 1995 while teaching full-time and actively raising 3 teen/twenties girls. Science, technology, literacy, music and the outdoors were his passions and he loved to teach others what he knew. His patience was boundless and he lived to make young people grow into responsible and respectful adults. His 39 years of teaching meant that he touched the lives of many (students, colleagues, and parents) in his career in the Chilliwack School District and specifically at Cultus Lake Elementary, and then Sardis Elementary. Gil may not have had a good memory for certain things, but he remembered the name of every student he ever taught, and could usually recall the parents' names as well. He taught guitar for many years, both during school hours as a music component for other teachers and before school hours, on his own time. Gil loved his dogs at least as much as his kids. His second Golden Retriever, Macy, was his princess, shining star, and constant companion over the last few years of Gil's life. He suffered from an extensive list of medical issues over these years, and it was Macy's presence that kept him afloat.

He is predeceased by his only biological child, Kristy Leigh Knutson (who passed Aug.17/23). He was known to say that no parent should ever have to bury their child, and Kristy's passing wounded him in ways he would never recover from.

Gil made a big difference in so many people's lives, too many to list here. He was a good friend and a loving parent. There are many who will treasure his memory and the time they shared. He will live on in the hearts of those he touched over the years.

He is survived by ex-wives Jan and Anabelle, common-law wife Linda, stepdaughters Shelley and Stacy (and families), stepdaughters Megan and Lindsay (and families), Kristy's best friends Kari and Laura, good family friends George and Annette, Kevin, Gord and Maple, Rosemary and Frank, Hank and Laurie, and countless others who will mourn the loss of this stoic and humble man.

The family would like to thank the dedicated, hard-working, thoughtful, and kind staff of both Chilliwack General Hospital and Abbotsford Regional Hospital; specifically the ICU teams that worked around the clock to try and stabilize him

A small Celebration of Life will be announced.