Sharon Anne Barbara KNIPE

KNIPE, Sharon Anne Barbara
February 14, 1943 – Calgary, Alberta
August 9, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with broken hearts that we share the news that the sunshine has left our world. Sharon Anne Knipe (nee Wilson) passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the age of 74 years. Sharon Anne Barbara Wilson was born on February 14, 1943, a true Valentine baby. She fully embraced the spirit of that birth day by developing the biggest of hearts and sharing her love, wit and sparkle with her grateful family, a myriad of wonderful friends and with every single person she met. Once in her presence, you weren't likely to forget her! A true and proud Calgarian, she grew up in the south west communities of Richmond and Knob Hill, graduating from Viscount Bennett High School, in 1961. Later she would meet and marry the true love of her life, Sandy Knipe. Their married life included oil patch postings to Medicine Hat, Brooks and Red Deer, but they returned to Calgary and happily took up residence in Dalhousie, where she continued to live for the next 46 years, surrounded and supported by the most wonderful neighbours. Her working career included time at Halliburton-Welex, Laurentide Finance and many years as credit manager at Varsity Plymouth Chrysler which later became Crowfoot Dodge Chrysler. She shared her heart and talents by volunteering with many organizations, including PALS, AARF, Alberta Special Olympics and Oil Wives, where she served executive positions at both the local and national levels. In later years, her great love of animals led her to own and breed Norwegian Fjord Horses, with dear friend Ilene Christensen. Since 1989, the cottage at Sylvan Lake has been a very special place where family and friends have enjoyed many wonderful times sharing much laughter and her warm hospitality. Sharon enjoyed playing golf and Bridge but her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family, where she relished her role as Matriarch, loving each one of us fiercely and unconditionally. Although the past 2 1/2 years presented Sharon with many medical challenges, her spirit and sparkle were never dimmed as she continued to live life on her terms to the very end. Left behind to forever cherish and celebrate her memory are sister, Janice Wilson (Bill Morrison); brother, Rob Wilson (Susan Gaetz); brother-in-law, Robert Knipe; sister-in-law, Sharon Wilson; cousins by marriage, David and Lynda Popovitch; two nieces, six nephews, eleven great-nieces and nephews; a world of wonderful friends. Sharon was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sandy Knipe (2000); brother, Rick Wilson (2004); father, Robinson "Bob" Wilson (1964); mother, Myrrel Waychik (2006). We wish to thank her medical 'team', Dr. Nimira Alimohamed, Dr. Daniel Heng, Dr. James Stone and Dr. Jane Flynn for their compassionate care; the volunteer drivers at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre; her wonderful 'family' of Dalridge Hill neighbours who loved and supported Sharon in so many ways; and very special thanks to her cherished friend and 'sister', Heather Babin, who lovingly nursed Sharon through her final days at home, truly caring for us all. A Celebration of life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. To honour Sharon's colourful and sparkling nature, we invite you to wear bright colours and 'bling'!! Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If desired, donations may be made to AARF (Alberta Animal Rescue Foundation); BC and Alberta Guide Dogs; or Tom Baker Cancer Centre.