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MARK KNAPP Obituary

Mark Christian Knapp May 26th, 1966 - Feb. 3rd, 2013 Mark (Uncle Markie) left us to be with the Lord on the 3rd of February, 2013. Mark was born in Portland to Guenther and Anneliese Knapp. Already bored at the early age of 4, he attended Lake Oswego Montessori School, Grade and High School in Canby. After his last High School year at Oregon Episcopal School, he studied at Lewis and Clark and Occidental College from where he graduated in 1989 with a Bachelors Degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs. In his career, he was General Manager of several hotels and, after his father's passing in 2007, he worked mostly for the Family Estate. Mark fell in love with Gig Harbor after accepting a General Manager position at a Tacoma Hotel and quickly bought his first house in Gig Harbor. Mark was an active member of various communities there, including meetings at Serenity Hall and his commit-ment to American Lake VA. Mark was dedicated to improving the lives of others and devoted his free time each week to volunteer. Mark drew upon the support of his sponsor and his dear friends. Mark was a multitalented individual, known for his sharp mind, interest in poetry, journalism, the legal process and love for a unique mixture of music, consisting of Jazz and Johnny Cash, with Mary Cassat being his favorite artist. Mark attended many Sea Hawks football games and enjoyed sharing the excitement with family, friends and neighbors. Having no children himself, his nephews and children of his life partner, Gena McGregor, looked up to him for guidance. Above all, Mark is remembered for his kind heart, quick humor and compassion for helping others. He will be greatly missed by his mother Anneliese Knapp, his sister Elke Knapp Abrams, her children Maxwell and Arie, her partner in life Brian Carman and his family, Mark's significant other Gena McGregor, her children Solie and Tolen, as well as family and friends in Germany and Switzerland. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to a charity of your choice. Please sign on-line Guest Book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for MARK KNAPP

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Pamela Parrish

February 11, 2023

From my very first day at a new school in 6th grade, Mark made me laugh, sitting across from me at lunch and acting out ridiculous scenarios with his animal crackers, bright eyes smiling. He was so funny, and also such a deep thinker, very tender beneath it all. As teenagers, I remember the beauty of his water skiing, the sun sparkling off the water, the water flowing in a glittering arc behind his sweeping and graceful turns. So much strength, deftly and gently employed. Driving behind him, both on our way to schools in the Los Angeles area many years later, it was indeed a thrill to try to keep up with his car. I got a speeding ticket. He didn't. It is the laughter I miss the most. What a wonder it would be, just one more afternoon in a cafe, laughing and joking! He also loved his mama and his sister, so very much. I never had the pleasure of meeting Gena, but I am sure it was the same with her and her children. I send my deepest and most heartfelt empathy to these three women who also loved Spark Snapp with all of their hearts. The missing and the memories are both forever. Dear Mr. Knapp, may you know peace and joy, and tinkling laughter forever and ever, dear friend.

With love,
Pamela Parrish

Heidi Pronath

October 26, 2013

I just found out today about this sad event. I knew Mark for a brief time while we both were on vacation with family up in Roach Harbor. I will always have found memories of Mark, the time we spent together and the connection we made. Blessings to his family!

Timothy Butterworth

August 16, 2013

Light a candle
In dark of night
Stare and smile, watch it fight
Try to keep a handle
That all shall be right
Challenges and triumphs
Concentrate on the candle
As it flickers and cast shadows
It is but a single light
Now our hearts flicker and begin a dance
In darkness standing firm and bright
Time is but a gift
Back away and see it from afar
Though not near
It lights up the room
Brings a smile and cheer
Time passes
With each flicker and dance
Another drop of wax
Nearer to the end
One last flicker
Beginning to end
The gift never forgotten

(c) Timothy Butterworth 2009


I knew Mark and his family when I was a young boy. He and his family always were kind and had made me feel welcomed in their home.I am so very sorry for their loss.

July 18, 2013

Mark you will be missed and always loved,see you on the other side...Ernie

Kiki (Diaka) Grant

March 9, 2013

Your laugh, Your smile, Your love & kindness, Your willingness to help others made you the man that you was. I am feeling soooooo lost right now......

Richard Lanning

February 26, 2013

You will be missed my friend. Thank you for the great times we had going to see the Raiders play the Hawks. Being around you was truly a pleasure. I'm just sad I did not know about your service to pay my respects. God Bless You!

Beach trip 1986. Great memory!!!

Gina Lange

February 25, 2013

I went to junior high and high school with Mark. We "went together" for a while in 8th grade. I remember Mark giving me this really lame Christmas gift wrapped in toilet paper. He let me go the entire day at school thinking that was my gift. Before I got on the school bus he put a box in my hand. It was a beautiful necklace. That is how I remember him. Didn't seem to take life too serious, yet was in all the talented and gifted classes in school. I remember when he laughed, it was always a head down, holding his belly kind of laugh. My favorite memory of Mark was when myself, Doug Lange, Darren Monen, Joan Monen and Pam Parrish all went to the beach together. We all shared the same hotel room and we had the best time ever!! Laughed until our stomach's hurt!! That is how I choose to remember Mark Knapp. God Bless!!

February 24, 2013

Although a sad and difficult thing to be at your memorial service, it was wonderful to see so many people attend and hear stories about you. I will miss you Mark and so glad I am able to say I knew you.

Issac Grant Jr

February 23, 2013

Maaaan seems like just the other day we were at the seahawks game cheering smelling the fresh baked bread downtown or the time when i use to sneak water from the sink in your house haa good times and it hurts to know that your gone like an uncle someone to look up too and there wasnt many people let alone men that i looked up too and i just want you to know i love you and you will be truely missed
Sincerly -jrPizzle(:

February 23, 2013

Mark, I just got the news today. I am so deeply saddened! You were so fun and full of life! I remember when you came to Diaka's house dressed up like Santa one year and had presents for everyone- even people that you didn't know! You were always so generous and kind! I miss the gatherings and holiday celebrations at your home! I know Diaka will be devastated! It's funny....I just recently came across a card you had given me, thanking me for house-sitting for you while you took Diaka on a surprise trip to Palm Springs! Mark, you are truly a good friend and we already miss you so much! God bless your soul!! Goodbye, friend.....

damion johnson

February 23, 2013

One of the greatest men youll meet mark was like a dad to me nothing ever got him down he was always wanting to have fun weather it was a seahawks game going hiking or just catching a movie ive known mark since i was in the fifth grade mark you truely will be missed love you man rest in paradise

Bob & Marilyn Weik

February 23, 2013

Our deepest, deepest sympathy to you all.

Brandon Holt

February 23, 2013

My deepest condolences to all of Mark's friends and family. I worked at the hotel in Tacoma when he started there some 20 something years ago, and it always was good know that we would keep in contact through the years through our fantasy football league. The ripples of this awful news, as it is just being heard by his 19 league brothers, is just devestating to us. He was there at the beginning and developed friendships with all of us that will last forever. You will always have a team, and a band of brothers with us Mark

Detlef Mahoney

February 22, 2013

Sending peace, love and prayers.

Derek Gillingham

February 21, 2013

Mark has been a member of our Fantasy Football League for many years, and has always been responsible for lighting up the room on draft day. His heart and laughter will be sorely missed. RIP Ballbreakers!

Pat Berrey

February 20, 2013

I have known Mark since he was a little boy! He was such a sweet and caring person. My heart and prayers go to my dear friend Anneliese and the family. RIP Mark

Kathy Davis

February 20, 2013

Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Mark. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com

Also on Facebook

Kimberly Plantz-Miller

February 20, 2013

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

He loved his moms turkey

Ilona Dudasik

February 19, 2013

Mark was such a great man, from the minute we met through his mother Anneliese my best friend in Portland Oregon both being Gemini's had extensive conversations about life on all topic matters, his humor and mine were in tune with each other and I will miss him and his warm hello and smile forever. He has been a loving son and brother and uncle and friend and to all those who came into his life. I will miss those Thanksgivings spent together and so glad I have pictures of them to remember them by. All the support you gave to your Nephews at their special events and I could see the love and joy and how proud you are of them. I will recall the walk to the Farmers Market and then returning to your moms home where you cooked up an amazing crabmeat omelet. it is with great sadness I am writing this today,but also with joy as I was lucky enough to know you in my life and you will always be in my heart forever. May the Peace you sought always remain with you and your family through this difficult time.

kimberly white

February 19, 2013

There are no words to express my sorrow and deepest sadness.
Mark, an amazingly caring and witty man, was a blessing to the world and will always be remembered.
My heavy heart is with the family, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength – today & forever.
With healing prayers and an abundance of love,
Kimberly White

THE MAN

Brian Carman

February 19, 2013

Mark will be Greatly missed by all those who truly knew him. He often referred to as "The Man" and he was just that for so many of us.

Deanna Masters

February 18, 2013

So very sad to hear of your passing Mark. You were such a sweet person, with a gentle soul. You will be missed.

Jennifer Farris (Hindman)

February 17, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Mark and remember him as a kind and funny person. I know he will be missed.

Stacy Wenrick-Watson

February 17, 2013

Prayers to your family Mark. Rest in peace.

David Waring

February 17, 2013

We went to high school together and graduated with the class of 84. Condolences to all the family and friends of Marks. He will be greatly missed.

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