Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George KNOTT Obituary
KNOTT, George (Jorge) Anthony
Born: February 10, 1956
Died: April 29, 2012
A rough surf and riptide claimed the life of George Anthony Knott, 56 years old, during an evening swim off Miami Beach on April 29, 2012 at around 7:20pm EST. George was loved by many, as he was a free spirit who embraced life with the gentleness of an angel and a spirit of a daredevil.
His path in life took many interesting turns. After attending Bret Harte Junior High and Leland High School in San Jose, CA, George joined the NROTC at UC Berkeley where he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He served 12 years as a Naval Flight Officer, flying P3 aircraft missions out of Moffett Field, and earned a Master's degree in Acoustical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA. He retired from the Navy, exchanging the uniform and groomed appearance for the Deadhead dreadlocks and jeans, to become a physics and physical science professor with a passion to teach, at Cosumnes River Community College (CRC) in Sacramento, CA. His students loved his unique teaching style that transcended the stuffy academic image, by using unconventional teaching techniques that made learning science fun and easy. Shortly after his arrival to CRC, his courses became the most popular on campus, which prepared more than one hundred students each semester to complete their GE transfer requirements. George will be formally acknowledged and awarded 'Professor Emeritus' at the CRC commencement ceremony, May 16, 2012.
George started climbing at an early age, bouldering in the back hills of Almaden, to become a master rock-climber who taught and led climbing expeditions around the world. Many winter breaks from school took him to Ton Sai, Thailand to hang out with friends on the beach, climb, and relax, and by an act of fate, he witnessed and survived the 2004 Tsunami. In the aftermath of the Tsumani, George extended his stay in Ton Sai for two months to help local Tsunami victims pull their lives back together. Although he survived many perilous climbing conditions with survival skills as firm as the rocks he climbed, the ocean, with its volatility, presented him a situation he could not outmaneuver. As his friends said, he left this world the way he lived life, as a traveling adventurer ready to explore the next world. His good Karma lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to cross his worldly path.
George is survived by his mother Brigitte Barnes; father George L. Knott; brother Steven Knott; niece Danielle Knott; and nephew Alexander Knott; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A celebration of George's life will be held at 2725 6th Ave, Sacramento, CA, June 9, from 1:00pm - 'until the party ends.' In place of flowers, the family of George requests your consideration in donating to the Transplant Recipients International Organization, P.O. Box 2804, Cupertino, California 95015, www.bayareatrio.org, in honor of George A. Knott.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George KNOTT
Eric E
July 27, 2025
It´s been a little over 13 years since you left this earth and became part of the colorful glass of the universe. I think about you often George. Our enjoyment of Uncle Harlens Band brought us together and as we got to know each other our love of the mountains and Grateful Dead brought us closer. We became good friends. You took me on a couple ice climbing adventures that I will never forget. Thank you for what you taught me. Your friendship will always be cherished by me. Hopefully you have run into Jerry and he and you are pals. We all miss you here on this planet. Maybe we will meet again. I really hope so.
Beth
February 11, 2025
Jorge, you were right all along. True wealth lies within and in the experiences we create. You are missed beyond words.
Mike
May 3, 2024
He always told me that we were gonna have a couple of beers whenever we met...never knew the last 2 were in fact the final 2 beers
:(
Monica Daniel
April 29, 2018
Miss you greatly George. Your spirit is amongst the beauty of the earth. Love, Monica
January 30, 2013
We'll miss you George. Our very heartfelt symptathy to your family and friends. We'll always remember the good times that we spent together in those early California years. Love, Celia and Jack
Chuck Nold
September 23, 2012
RIP Jorge
Aaron Harden
June 11, 2012
Im glad we had a chance to reconnect. I miss you, Professor. You have been most comforting with the last conversations we've had. I bid you safe journey and I hope to see you.
Lanny Hertzberg
June 9, 2012
A great teacher and a good friend. George gave far more than he received.
Cliff Baker
June 4, 2012
“There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night, and if you go, no one may follow, that path is for your steps alone” Ripple - Grateful Dead
You were my friend for 39 years. What a boring person I would be had it not been for you. Thank you a million times over . . .
Forster Brown
May 30, 2012
As a former physics student at C.R.C., you were my inspiration through engineering school. RIP!!!
Mary Reynolds Simmons
May 23, 2012
Although I did not know you personally, I offer condolences to your father. There is no greater grief than the loss of a child.
kim stroman
May 19, 2012
Jorge was a dear friend, my great buddy, so glad to have known him these last dozen yrs. i'm missing him. Thanks for the Beauty George. kim
Camille Johnson
May 18, 2012
I knew George way back in high school and still remember his kindness to all. My condolences to his family! Camille
Jenny Dowdall
May 16, 2012
I had the pleasure of sharing many smiles with George in Ton Sai, Thailand. My regards to all that adored him.
Kamal Bagha
May 13, 2012
Professor Knott, you were an interesting fellow to say the least, but always such a great guy to listen to. I didn't know you long enough, but thanks for everything.
Bob Luke
May 12, 2012
I was buddies with George at Leland High School. Funny, I didn't know that he was a NFO in P3's at Moffett, because I was in P3's at Moffett during he same time frame.
Anupe Sandhu
May 10, 2012
Hey Jorge, you were such an inspiration as my professor, rock climbing mentor, and friend. Thanks for so much.
-With great love.
Raphael Hess
May 10, 2012
Jorge, I'll always think of you as the "Skipper", and remember your encounters 'sea stories' with the Jarheads like me. You will not be forgotten.
Renee Brewer
May 9, 2012
For those who took the time to know you were lucky enough to discover a true "diamond in the ruff". You will forever have the most genuine smile and heart I will ever know. I will see you on the other side...with shears in hand :) I will miss you dearly
Joe Tavares
May 8, 2012
You left us too soon. I'll always Cherish our talks about our time in the Navy. May you forever rest in peace.
kimberly stroman
May 7, 2012
George, jorge, my dear, on my top three greatest friends ever, love and miss you. please call me frm heaven. There truly was few greater than he. George, in one of our long-fun talks (almost a decade ago) said he'd like to go "hanging from a rock and fall into the water" - that's like George-thank God-to get his way (water). Blessings to those who loved him. kim
May 7, 2012
You will be missed greatly.
Teresa Aldredge, MESA Counselor
Cosumnes River College
Shelly Charron
May 7, 2012
George,
You will be missed by so many. You were the most kind hearted person I had ever met. We all have such great memories of you in some way. Your smile, your laugh, we are all better people for knowing you George. R.I.P
My condolences to the Knott family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Staff at CRC
May 7, 2012
George was my colleague and friend. We first connected over his dreadlocks look. We always joked about the fact that we had the same hair stylist Jay "King of Curls". I will miss his sense of humor and his kind and gentle nature. I will keep you in my prayers.
Mathilde Mukantabana
Sandy
May 7, 2012
I always loved seeing George. He was such a nice patient and always had very interesting thoughts. Rest in Peace and my condolences go to the Knott family.
Cindy Butler
May 7, 2012
George was one of a kind and he will be greatly missed. My brother Mike and George were kindred spirits and it hit Mike pretty hard. May the wonderful memories of George fill some of the great emptiness that we all feel without him.
Cindy Petty
May 7, 2012
The Science/Math/Engineering Division at Cosumnes River college were shocked and saddened by George's death. The one comfort we've found is that he was doing what he loved best; being an outdoor adventureman. He will be missed by those of us who had the pleasure to work and interact with him on a daily basis. I'll miss my visits from Jorge and Bobby. My heartfelt confolences to the Knott family.
May 7, 2012
We send our prayers and sympathy.
Mike and Mary Ann Horgan
May 7, 2012
George was my roommate in college and we served in the Navy together. I will remember him as a true "free spirit who took the roads less traveled". My consolation in his young death is that he was enjoying the adventurous thinks he loved.
Fair winds and following seas my friend,
AJ Gallardo
May 6, 2012
To the KNOTT family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. I want to thank him for serving his country to keep us SAFE AND FREE, he is a HERO to many and may he R.I.P -|-
Susie Olsen-Sagun
May 6, 2012
George was unforgetable even in junior high school. My brother, Mike Olsen, went on many rock climbing trips with George and he had an unparalelled zest for everything. He was a marvelous person - my heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Les Holbrook
May 6, 2012
As we all venture on you are remembered George
Alison and Paul Cocotis
May 6, 2012
We always enjoyed George's company so much when we got together for holidays and family events. We will miss him.
Heidi Preschler
May 6, 2012
Goodbye George. Thank you for having shared your friendship. Your generous spirit remains with us.
Vera Foramitti
May 6, 2012
i miss you so much! i love you, vera
May 5, 2012
George married my Sister Martine Shelley....who although they were separated some years back..still maintained a very close friendship with each other...when George came to Singapore (which is where I am still living till today) he struck me as an extremely confident and interesting personality..we got on well....and always had these simple words to say to each other whether we communicated via facebook or in person...."lets have those couple of beers we promised each other" well George I never got down to having those beers with you again...and can hardly believe that I have lost that chance to do so in this Life....RIP Jorge !
Karen Bertagnini
May 5, 2012
Oh George, you were the most ALIVE person I have ever known. I am having a hard time accepting that that has changed and suspect that maybe it is just a change of scenery for you. I will certainly miss that goofy grin of yours.
John Locke
May 5, 2012
Hey George, you'll be alive in our memories forever. Your friend, John.
Renee' McCann
May 5, 2012
Dear George you will forever be in our memories and near to our hearts. Missing you so much.
Renee' and Mike
May 5, 2012
Dear George-I miss you terriblyLove -Dad-
Monica Daniel
May 5, 2012
See you on the other side George.
Your Friend,
Monica
Peaceful Soul
May 5, 2012
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in George KNOTT's name
Memorial Events
for George KNOTT
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George KNOTT's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
