Gregory Lawrence Knell

Remembering Greg

Gregory Lawrence Knell was born in Southern California on October 28th, 1948, the first of seven children. The family moved for many years, with Greg attending high school in Highland Park, Illinois. By college he was back in California, attending UC Santa Barbara to study law.

Greg never was one to sit still or silently when he felt there was injustice. His big passions were music, art, civil rights, and public service. He performed in the 70's with a band called Spliff, working with artists like Etta James, Joe Cocker and Bob Marley. He protested the Vietnam War and was arrested in connection with the protests, but was later acquitted.

In the 80's Greg worked as a graphic designer and salesman for The Copy Desk, a company founded by his mother, Dora. He eventually also worked at other Graphic Design studios, publishing material for companies all over the bay area and beyond.

Greg had a long and happy marriage with Vickie, and has two children, Jahmila & Tiyl.

Later in life, Greg satisfied his need for action by channeling himself into politics and public service. Greg was a trustee for San Rafael City schools for 17 years, as well as trustee for the Marin County Office of Education. Greg also participated in many other projects like the Santa Margarita Creek Restoration project, Co-chair of Rx Safe Marin and OD Free Marin, an elected member of the Democratic Central Committee of Marin, and countless others. Greg wanted nothing more than to leave the world better than he found it.

A celebration of life for Gregory will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA.