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David Knapp Obituary
11-29-1940 - 6-19-2019
Resident of Los Gatos
Born on November 29, 1940, the son of an Episcopal minister and a church school headmistress in Harrison, N.Y., he grew up in San Antonio, TX, where he met Kay Langston at the church youth group in 1953. He graduated from Texas Military Institute, and the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He went on to graduate school at the University of Texas, largely to be near Kay. He married his childhood sweetheart and best friend in 1963, and joined the U.S. Air Force that year after receiving his draft notice. He was assigned to bases in Mississippi, Oregon, Alabama, Germany, and California. His work involved developing systems and operations to counteract the effects of jamming on RADAR defenses.
After seven years in the service, he resigned his commission, and he and Kay settled in San Diego where their two sons, Stephen and Michael were born. He went to work for the city of San Diego and found his calling in city management. Serving as city manager in Boulder, CO, Town of Los Gatos, Cupertino, and Highland Park, IL, he retired in 2014 and settled in Los Gatos.
David loved his church, his beloved wife, his sons and their families, his work and the people he worked with, volunteering for nonprofits, traveling, classical music, and reading. He took his baptismal oath, "to strive for justice and peace, and respect the dignity of every human being" very seriously. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay, son Stephen (wife Laura) and grandsons Langston and Lachlan; son Michael (wife Sara) and grandson Tyler and granddaughter Evelyn, his brother Peter, and sister Edith Clark, and beloved nieces and nephews. Our deepest gratitude to our skilled and caring oncology staff at Stanford Cancer Center, SouthBay, and especially Drs. Mary Chen, Heather Wakelee (Palo Alto), Sandy Trieu, and wonderful nurse practitioners and staff members.
In lieu of flowers, David asked that those who wish to do so send donations to Episcopal Relief & Development or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and School in Saratoga.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Knapp
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
edward murphy
June 18, 2020
my son dan and i went to Coronado yesterday. we sat on the beach near the Hotel Del and thought of Dave and his family. it was a special place for them to enjoy the ocean as a young family. Dave was a uniquely fine person and such an inspiration. we miss him and send warm thoughts to Kay, Steven, Michael, and their families.
michael gottwald
July 4, 2019
so sorry to hear about this I offer my condolenses to the family for your loss goodbye my friend thanks for your service to us all in Cupertino on the Cupertino city council and to us all
Rae Malcolm
June 28, 2019
Dear Kay and family,
Kirk and I were so sorry to hear this news. We loved the time we spent with you both at Trinity Church. We are thinking of you.
Much love,
Rae and Kirk Malcolm
Cathleen Washington
June 25, 2019
I worked for Mr. Knapp at the Town of Los Gatos in the early 90s. He was an amazing city manager. I remember many times sitting on the floor in his office having conversations with him!! He was a kind, caring, smart man. He was a great mentor as well. Prayers to his family.
Cathleen
murphy family
June 24, 2019
as colleagues in San Diego, we shared work experiences and enjoying fun, happy times together as our young families meshed. he will always remain to us a North Star of grace and virtue, a man devoted to his family and faith, and a public servant par excellence. we are much the better for his life.
Thank you David for being with us, then and always.
The Murphy Family
San Diego
murphy family
June 24, 2019
as young colleagues in San Diego, we shared work experiences and our young families meshed in many happy, fun times. he will always remain a shining light, a North Star of grace and virtue, a man devoted to his family and faith, and a public servant par excellence. we are much the better for sharing in his life.
We thank you David for being with us.
The Murphy Family in San Diego
Tom Griffin
June 24, 2019
A sincere RIP..you've joined a long line of good men, David. Thanks for the privilege of having known you. Tom Griffin.
Dave overseeing water plant intake icing remediation 1/31/14
Don Jensen
June 24, 2019
Working with Dave in Highland Park was a pleasure. Despite the demanding, high pressure nature of the job, he always seemed calm and confident, no doubt a reflection of his many years of experience. His good-natured, somewhat folksy approach to the job was unique and refreshing. My deepest condolences to the family on your loss.
Jamie Gray
June 23, 2019
So sorry to hear of the loss of your love one.
May your prayers bring the comfort you need in this difficult time.You can be confident that God is moved with compassion and understands your grief.
May Psalm 121 also bring you comfort.
Chris Orr
June 23, 2019
Dave was the best City Manager Cupertino ever had
I reminder the very first day he came to work at the City
I was putting up the flags in front of city hall and Dave was standing at attention.
He came up to me an Introduced himself, he was a great guy.
Chris Orr
Skip Shervington
June 23, 2019
My condolences to the Knapp family. I absolutely enjoyed working for Dave at the City of Cupertino. Besides being a great boss he was a kind and personable gentleman. He had a great way of communicating his thoughts and ideas that made my job easy; a great conversationalist. I believe his sincerity is what struck me the most as is the case with most great leaders. His mentorship and guidance had a big influence on my life and career. May he Rest in Peace knowing he did in fact, positively influence the lives of many people.
Skip Shervington
Santa Clara County Sheriff (Retired)
Itapema, SC Brazil
Doug and DeVona Gaynor
June 23, 2019
Kay and family, Doug and I send our deepest sympathy. I loved working for him and have very fond memories of the lunch you made for him me and and the lovely party you hosted for the staff. I was so glad you both joined me in Michigan. We had a fun weekend and the painting you got us still hangs in our home. Warmest Regards and love.
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