Gary Hans Knutzen

A classic act and wonderful coach

During the 1966-67 academic school year at Skagit Valley College I had the distinct pleasure of enrolling in a physical education class that was mentored by none other than the Great Gary Knutzen. The course was a total fitness course. The final exam was a circuit course of some 10 stations that was timed and participants had to complete the course twice under a certain time in order to receive a final grade of A. After completing the first round I had the dry heaves. Gray came up to me...

Gary welcomed our family to the valley in the 80s when my dad started working and coaching soccer at SVC. My brother, Bryan, and I spent much of our childhood at the college and saw Gary often. He always had a funny story for us and asked us about our lives. We loved talking to him and seeing him. We also went on many soccer trips with him. The tournaments he arranged for the team in CA prior to their season were so much fun and a great time for the team to bond. He brought people...

Running into Gary on game night at Skagit Valley College was a highlight every time I photographed a basketball game while working at the Skagit Valley Herald. I shot dozens of men's and women's games, and before the action started Gary visited with me near the end of the court. We didn't solve the world's problems, but I always felt better after our banter. His office was a historical archive of his time at SVC. Every square inch of wall and shelf space was covered with photographs, plaques...

So very sorry to hear of Garys passing.thinking of you all.

Gary was one of the finest people I ever met. When I worked at the Skagit Valley Herald in the early '90s, I had the great pleasure to talk to Gary several times a week. He was always upbeat and positive. I don't recall anyone in his position as helpful as Gary was. He left a huge void at SVC. Just a wonderful, wonderful man. Heartfelt condolences to friends and family.

A class act and wonderful coach!