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KEITH BRUCE KNOCHE

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Andrews University

KEITH KNOCHE Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 1, 2009.

KNOCHE, KEITH BRUCE Sept. 28, 1948 to Oct. 23, 2009 Pastor, Evangelist, Chaplain, author, humorist and musician, born in Loma Linda, CA. A graduate of Hawaiian Mission Academy in 1966, BA degree from La Sierra University in 1970, Masters of Divinity at Andrews University in 1973. He was an accomplished watercolor artist, author of seven books including "Knoche's Law." He served as Pastor at the Garden Grove Seventh-Day Adventist for nine years, and provided pastoral services for three years for the Army-Navy Academy in Oceanside, CA. He was currently Chaplain at Family Hospice Care in Palm Springs, CA. He leaves for a while his father Philip Knoche of Bakersfield, CA, his sister Kitsy Knoche of La Quinta, CA, and friend Linda Kirton of San Diego, CA, as well as a host of beloved friends worldwide. Celebration of Keith's life memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., at Garden Grove Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Donations to Family Hospice Care in Palm Springs.

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Recent Activity

December 5, 2025

Wayne Woodhams posted to the memorial.

October 27, 2024

Jesse Guzman posted to the memorial.

June 15, 2023

Wayne Woodhams, Ventura, CA. posted to the memorial.

19 Entries

Wayne Woodhams

December 5, 2025

Keith was one of my best friends in college. We did a lot of music together. He first shared his well known "Prayer of our Lord Jesus" with me in college, when he had written about half of it. A student led men's chorus on campus recorded it later that year on a record. and it was heard many places. When I became the manager of Andrew's radio station, WAUS, they were using Keith's song to sign the station off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem. A teaching professor at Norte Dame University in South Bend, Indiana heard it, and liked it very much. He asked for the music manuscript, which I had a copy, and Keith graciously gave me permission to pass it on to Norte Dame. It is my understanding that they used it for the next 35 years, to open their chapel services. Keith's song literally went all over her world. While I was service the church organization in a hospital administration position in Hong Kong, I di a lot of multi-track recording, to satisfy my musical interests. Just prior to returning to the US in 1993, I recorded Keith's song, using special recording equipment, so that all the voices oh His song were mine. When I returned to the US in 1993, I hadn't seen Keith in a number of years. What I wanted to do is play my rendition of his song to him, as my tribute to him for what he created. Several year later we had a scheduled visit in place, and exactly 1 week prior to that visit, Keith died of a major hear attack in his car, after getting gas at a service station. I was heartbroken. So, a few years later, I posted my tendition on Youtube, as my unfulfilled tribute to Keith, and the incredible song he wrote. You can hear it by going to Google, and typing "Wayne Woodhams Prayer". I get hundreds of emails from all over the world, for that tribute to Keith. Keith, until we sing together, and share jokes in Heaven, may you safely rest in peace in the loving arms of the Jesus you loved and worshiped dearly. RIP my good friend/. Wayne Woodhams.

Jesse Guzman

October 27, 2024

Remembering you from college days at PUC. RIP amigo.

Wayne Woodhams, Ventura, CA.

June 15, 2023

Keith was a great friend of mine from early teenage years until he passed. I stood next to him in college choir when he shared with me, and another friend, his partially finished new arrangement of "The Lord's Prayer". That song later took wings, and was enjoyed all over the world. While living in China I multitracked that song, and upon returning to the US, was going to play him my version of it. A week before we were scheduled to meet, he passed away in his car. I so much wanted to honor him with this tribute to him for what he had created, but never got the chance. That resulted in tears shed. Keith, you were a most gifted, talented, and great friend, and I eagerly await seeing you again in Heaven. For now, rest in peace, until then.
Wayne Woodhams, Ventura, CA.

Jesse Guzman

October 28, 2022

RIP amigo.

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Steven L Blake

August 20, 2022

He did one of my favorite chapels at SMC in the early 1980's. I still have the cassette tape. Wonderful memories from a disciple of Christ.

Larry West

October 23, 2010

I just happened to hear today that Phillip Knocke is celebrating his 89th birthday on the Loma Linda University Church broadcast on the internet. Since I remembered his name from the 60s and went to grade school and La Sierra with Kieth, I decided to google Phillip. That was when I discovered that Keith is gone. I remember him well and will look forward to seeing him around the tree of life.

May 13, 2010

Many years ago Keith was a fledgling pastor in Upper Lake california. He and Vikki were loved and enjoyed by all who met them. we were so sorry to hear of his passing. He baptized our oldest son at 12 and he is now 48.
Our sympathy goes out to his family as we jsut heard of his death today.
Don and Lin Pifer

Lois Bohrer-Grable

January 8, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of this. I knew him as a teenager in Sunnyvale. I treasured a cassette of his ballads for many years until it disappeared. What a loss. My prayers are with his sister, Kitsy and his Dad.

Randy Brehms

December 12, 2009

Keith was a good friend, and a fantastically talented man. We worked together as youth at Wawona, doing skits, with myself being a foil for him at Wagon Camp. We sang in quartets together, and he will be missed. we even roomed together at Wawona the summer of 1968 in what is now the rangers house. What a loss, both of a friend and as a spokesman for our God. I will miss you my friend, until the resurrection.

Pastor Randy Brehms

November 28, 2009

I just learned of Keith's passing ths morning. I will always remember our academy experiences at HMA and sharing a room with him at La SIerra College. You will be missed!! Condolences to Phil and Kitsy. Steve McClain

November 28, 2009

Wayne Woodhams

November 15, 2009

I just learned of Keith's passing via a posting on Facebook. Keith and I shared a great relationship during our college days that was based on music, expecially male voice singing, and on two completely "outside the box" senses of humor. I remember that we each had special names for each other, but not sure of each, as memory doesn't always work as wanted. I believe they were something like "Hanslo" and "Gretzlo", with him being the latter. I was sitting in choir next to Keith when he first showed me the beginnings of "Prayer of Our Lord Jeses", a male-voice, chord-structured arrangement that is considered a monumental piece of music. Several years later, and with his permission, I was able to share the music with Norte Dame University in South Bend, Indiana for their male voice chapel choir use. The last time I saw Keith was at a Male Voice Festival in Glendale around 2000 or just before. We hadn't seen each other in years, and practically mowed the crowd down after spotting each other across stage. Fortunately, this was during rehersal and not performance. It could have gotten ugly. Few in the assembled chorus understood the shouts of "Hanslo" and "Gretzlo" thundering across the stage, then followed by a two-party stampede. I will always remember Keith for the close friendship, many hours in common pursuit, and for both of us sharing a sense of humor not appreciated by everyone. Every day there are more and more reasons to look forward to the Second coming, and this is just another one. Goodbye to an old friend, and my condolences to his family and loved ones for this loss. I just hope the Good Lord is ready for a unique blend of humor and perspective when we see Keith again. I am, and I can't wait to catch Keith up on some really funny stuff. God speed as you rest for awhile.
Wayne Woodhams
Ventura, CA

Jesse Guzman

November 7, 2009

I haven't seen Keith for over 30 years but how can anyone that knew him ever forget him. A talented musician and PUC classmate and friend. As a hall monitor at Newton Hall he always had some humor to make your day. Good night old friend rest in peace.

Max Hill

November 3, 2009

Oh, my friend, how I will miss you. Such good times we've had through many, may years. I admired your many talents, but mainly cherished your friendship. It doesn't seem real that you are gone so soon. Time will turn the grief I feel into comfort in memories. See you someday soon, my friend.

November 2, 2009

To Phil, Kitsy, and all those near and dear to Keith, we offer our prayers and thoughts in your time of sorrow. He is resting now, and we have the hope of seeing him again soon.
I knew Keith way back in Pleasant Hill when he was the youth Pastor. Those were fun times; with my three girls and other youth. Seems so long ago. We reconnected at La Mesa. Phil, we have missed you, and are glad to know where you are now. One day soon, we can all look forward to Jesus breaking through the clouds to claim His children! What a day that will be!
We love you,
Tony & Patty Richardson
Ramona, CA.

November 2, 2009

Harry Salvini

November 2, 2009

Keith was a grounded Godly man when I was looking and searching as a teen. Later, when I actually met him, he was an instant friend. Funny, loving, giving, leading by example and leadership. Keith will be tremendously missed! My tape - "The Ultimate Show" had been so worn out, and I had never made an archive of it. Just this last August I found it at the ABC at Tahoe Campmeeting, and immediately got it, singing along with him in the RV on the way home, instantly transported to those years long ago. Thank you God for such a man. I look forward to getting my hug again when Jesus comes for us all!

Kathy Webber Hicks

November 2, 2009

Kitsy,
I heard about the loss of your brother and remember you mentioning him so fondly during our friendship at PUC.
Please know that I am thinking of you at this time of sorrow and hoping you remember the wonderful memories you shared together...he sounded like he had a very rich life.
I would love to reconnect with you after almost 30 + years and can be reached @ [email protected] if you share the same interest.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,looking forward to hearing from you...
Kathy Webber Hicks

sonja wieland

November 1, 2009

Keith, your fine tuned spirituality and your playful side were such an inspiration during the short time I had the chance to work with you.
May God give you a great Guitar to play in heaven.

Your Colleague
Sonja

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