William Standish "Bill" Knowles Ph.D.

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William Knowles Obituary

Knowles, William Standish, Ph.D. William Standish Bill Knowles, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the age of 95. Beloved husband for 66 years of Lesley (Nancy) Cherbonnier Knowles; loving father of Lesley McIntire, Peter Knowles (Barbara), Sarah Knowles and Elizabeth Knowles (Thomas Murtha); adored grandfather of William McIntire, Andrew McIntire, Miles Knowles and Brent Knowles. Bill was born in Taunton, Massachusetts on June 1, 1917. He grew up in New Bedford and attended school at The Berkshire Academy and Phillips Academy Andover. He graduated from Harvard College in 1939 and received his doctorate degree in chemistry in 1942 from Columbia University. He spent his entire distinguished career working at Monsanto Chemical Company in St. Louis. He was awarded many prizes for his work, culminating in a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2001. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the National Academy of Science. In addition to chemistry, Bill had many interests including reading, bridge, hiking, biking, fishing, sailing and skiing. He particularly loved being in nature. At his cabin in Wyoming he enjoyed bird watching, wildlife viewing and all forms of natural history. At his farm along the Missouri River he spend many happy hours chopping wood, maintaining trails, cultivating wild flowers and managing a small prairie. A dedicated conservationist, Bill and his wife donated their farm to the St. Charles County Parks Department to become a nature park upon their death. Services: A Memorial Service will be held for relatives and close friends at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1166 S. Mason Rd., Town & Country, on Saturday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Missouri Botanical Gardens, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, Planned Parenthood of St. Louis, 4251 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108, St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, or the charity of your choice. A SERVICE OF THE LUPTON CHAPEL

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Jun. 17 to Jun. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Knowles

14 Entries

Lindsay

October 10, 2012

i wasn't at the service but i am so sorry for all your losses.. this is a tragity but he lived a very long full life and he was most likely saved.. right now he is in a better place and at least in not hurting anymore.. Again i'm very sorry because he must have been a wonderful man shining his light wherever he went!! Rest In Peace William Standish Knowles!!

C.S

June 23, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tami B

June 20, 2012

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of man of science. God Bless.

Bala Ramanathan

June 20, 2012

His work inspired me as a student to come to USA and complete a PhD in catalysis. He changed the face of modern medicine in the 20th century.

June 19, 2012

Often we wonder why do good people, who contribute so much, have to die? At Jeremiah 29:11, our loving God wants us to have a future and a hope. May his words comfort your family and his peace remain with you.

Dionne

June 19, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.(Eccl. 7:1)

Kit P.

June 19, 2012

I just finished reading 'The Next Hundred Years', The Unfinished Business of Science by C.C. Furnas written in 1936. The men of science, William Knowles being one, were Titans leading humanity forward. Catalysts are the key. Thank you and condolences to the family.

June 19, 2012

Thank you so much for creating the L-dopa drug which eased the suffering of my late aunt. She was a lovely person who fought valiantly when Parkinson's disease struck her. My condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.

JERRY TENENBAUM

June 19, 2012

RIP

John Stephens

June 18, 2012

Although Bill has received well deserved honors for his many scientific accomplishments, he will be remembered by many of us simply as "Friend and Colleague". We will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Nancy and family

joseph knowles

June 18, 2012

Our hearts go out to your family & friends for Mr Knowles' passing...are we related in some way ??

Rosie Weiss

June 18, 2012

It was a privledge and a joy to work with Bill during his many visits to the library while at Monsanto Company. Bill will be missed and alwarys remembered and appreciated for his many scientific contributions.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Wayne Ratts

June 17, 2012

Returning from out of town Sunday I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. From our first meeting 56 years ago when he interviewed me for a job at Monsanto to our last dinners at the Willows, Bill was a valued and trusted friend and colleague. His chemical insights, questioning nature, gentlemanly demeanor and natural interest in learning and understanding were truly unique. It was especially rewarding to see him recognized for his unique chemical accomplishments and remain personally unchanged by the high honors. I will miss seeing him "tooling" aroung in his wheelchair and broad rimmed hat exploring and observing all that he still could. He was "one of a kind"!

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