Dr. David Paul Knapp

Dr. David Paul Knapp
February 11, 1951 - March 1, 2021
San Diego
Dr. David Paul Knapp passed peacefully in his daughter Sarah's loving arms March 1st, 2021.David Paul Knapp was born in Edmonds, Washington, in 1951. He was primarily raised in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. He graduated from high school in Calgary, Alberta, and received his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Alberta.Paul was very proud of paying his own way through school by working. One summer he sold Electrolux vacuum cleaners, becoming top salesman in the state of Washington. He then went on to Bronx Lebanon Hospital for his internship in internal medicine. On completion, he went to Cook County Hospital for his residency in dermatology. He became board certified in dermatology in several states and two provinces in Canada. He started a small medical practice in Chicago while doing his residency, but then had an opportunity to join a doctor in Moline, Illinois and bought the practice when that doctor retired.Paul married Karen Jarrett in 1988 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, had one child, Sarah, and they were divorced in 2013. David, better known as Paul to his closest friends, continued working in Moline, eventually opening 27 practices. He also taught younger doctors dermatology and how to manage a medical practice. He eventually closed the majority of his offices and moved to San Diego, as practicing medicine was his first love versus managing a large business.He was a diplomat in dermatology, and over his career he presented at many conferences, was an examiner for board certification in dermatology, and authored chapters in dermatology textbooks.Paul enjoyed sailing, running, traveling, and spending time on his farm with Sarah and his friends. He loved listening to the Beatles and Neil Diamond, and observing and interviewing people. He was notably loyal to friends and family from childhood to adulthood. Those who knew him understood he did things his own way and marched to his own drum. We loved him for that.Dr. David Paul Knapp is survived by his daughter, Sarah Knapp, his sister, Lois LaShell, his niece, Carrie LaShell, and brother-in-law Alan Guskin. Paul was preceded in death by his proud mother, Eleanor Knapp, his beloved Grandma lrla and Grandpa Silas.He was laid to rest at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, California. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Friendship Circle in Poway, California.