Osmond Homer "Slim" Knutson

Osmond H. Knutson was born June 16, 1919 in Strathmore, Ca. He passed away January 14, 2016 in Visalia, CA. Osmond, better known as Slim, was raised in Strathmore, attended Harmony Elementary and Strathmore High School. His parents were Osmond and Ida Knutson.

Slim worked on various ranches in the area. In 1939 he went north to Badger, Ca. He met Ernest Cecil, owner of Cecil PackTrains, at Horse Corrayin Kings Canyon. In 1940 he was working at the pack station when he met a Woodlake girl, Eva Jobe, who was to become his wife in 1941. They farmed, and packed for pack stations when possible. They developed 25 acres of oranges west of Woodlake, there they raised 4 children, Bernice Marshall (Richard), Elaine Ray (Ken Browne), Bruce (Carol) and Rick.

From 1972 to 1984 Slim worked for Kings and Sequoia National Park packing mules for trail crews. He loved the back country and made many friends among park service personnel.

In 1976 they sold the oranges and bought a ranch in Drum Valley where they had a cow/calf operation for many years.

Slim is survived by his wife of 75 years, Eva, four children, 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews, some of which called him Daddy Bud (Bud being another name he was known by) because he and Eva were always involved in their raising, he could always be counted on to be there if needed.

A note from Slim was found that pretty much summed up what kind of man he was, it stated "besides God, family & friends I loved the back country and the high mountains". He was always happy when on a trail with a string of mules strung out behind him.

Graveside Service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlake Public Cemetery 165 N. Cypress St., Woodlake, CA

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millermemorialchapel.com.