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William Knapp Obituary
January 15, 1943 - October 9, 2024
San Francisco, California - William Austin Knapp passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness. Bill was an appreciative resident of Carmel, San Francisco and Lanai City, Hawaii.
Bill 'Baba' was born and raised in Alpena, Michigan as a beloved only child. A graduate of the University of Michigan for college and medical school, he remained a lifelong Big Blue fan. Most importantly, he met and married his love and life partner, Katherine Knapp in Ann Arbor. In 1970, Bill and Kathy headed west to California and never looked back. He practiced medicine as a pathologist for Yosemite Pathology for 32 years - his interest in science and personal strengths of consistency and dependability defined his career. Along the way, he and Kathy raised three children and lived a full life together appreciating the Tahoe Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the gift of family. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Knapp and his dear friend Enzo. In addition, he is loved and remembered by his three children - Gretchen Knapp Mello, Jennifer Helen Dovichi, and William Caygill-Knapp; his loving sons and daughter-in-law (Paul, Eric and Katie) and his seven grandchildren. All loved their dear Baba. Please help us by honoring and remembering him while walking the north end of the Carmel beach or taking in the sunset over the Pacific.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Knapp
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
Avi Nijjar
May 9, 2025
To Kathy and the Knapp Family,
I was saddened to hear of Bill´s passing yesterday when he was honored in remembrance at the annual meeting of Stanislaus Medical Society in Modesto, CA. I had the privilege of working with Bill for many years as a colleague at Yosemite Pathology Medical Group. Bill was a great mentor to me, and I truly admired his intelligent, hard-working, dedicated and ethical practice of Pathology. Kathy, may beautiful memories with Bill give you and your family peace and comfort. Love and Hugs, Avi Nijjar
Karen Rowley
January 3, 2025
Kathy, I just heard of Bill's passing through a friend connection. I am devastated. He was such a lovely wonderful man and helped me tremendously when we were residents together. Our paths only crossed a few times after that but it was always special. As residents, we all shared a big work room and I remember how he liked to talk about you. He loved you so much. My love to you and your beautiful family.
Angie and Woody Porter.
November 30, 2024
Woody and are so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. We have very fond memories our time as neighbors. We extend our condolences to you and your family.
Gemma Allen Nader and family
November 5, 2024
Condolences and prayers for a family that lost a beautiful man. I have been a lifelong friend of Kathy´s and blessed to see their happy life together through many years and locations. He was always gracious, kind and brilliant and so justifiably proud of his family. May he rest in God´s eternal peace and in the hearts of all who love him.
Phil Oppenheimer
November 3, 2024
Kathy, teri joins me in sending our sincere sympathies. We wish you and your family fond memories. Phil Oppenheimer
RALPH L SAROYAN
October 23, 2024
Kathy and family. So saddened for your loss. I have fond memories of Bill through dinners at the Riverbank home and playing golf with he and Tommy Dembski at Rio. You are in my throughts and prayers. Ralph L Saroyan
Douglas Allan Pugh
October 22, 2024
Bill was a childhood friend of mine; his intensity was notable even then. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing.
Pam & Denis Meerdink
October 21, 2024
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Peter and Sandy Loew
October 20, 2024
We have such fond memories of our time together with Bill and Kathy. We loved our Wednesday night weekly racquetball dates, our time of joint ownership of a house at Tahoe, and working with Bill at the hospital.
Kathy, and family, you have our warmest condolences.
Peter and Sandy Loew
Browning family
October 20, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Aloha the Browning Ohana.
Karen Hawkins Hayes
October 19, 2024
Bill was a wonderful classmate of mine in elementary and high school in Alpena, Michigan. He will be missed by friends and family.
Mark J Zigmond
October 17, 2024
My condolences. Bill was truly a nice person and I have fond memories of him, Kathy and their family on Lanai. He will be missed.
Vernon Park, M.D., Seattle, WA
October 17, 2024
I do remember Dr. Knapp from working with Bill at Emanuel Medical Center before his retirement. Dependability and consistency were appreciated. Bill always was available and willing to discuss a problematic case on a "walk-in" basis. My condolences to the entire family
Vernon Park, M.D.
Barbara Lucas
October 16, 2024
It was great to have known Bill. He was a kind man that was always smiling. Our world has lost a great human being.
Barbara Lucas
Pele's Other Garden
Lanai City Hawaii
Jim and Kelly Carlson
October 16, 2024
It was such a privilege to know Bill. Our memories will always be filled with him being so full of life and active - swimming, biking, walking - and always being with his family and friends. We look forward to toasting his memory and celebrating his life.
Bart B. & family
October 16, 2024
Our experiences ... Bill was an amazing and active man; eager to help and friendly to others in his path. An avid bicyclist and swimmer. A bright light. We miss him. Very grateful for his wife and adult children and grandchildren who will continue to share their memories with our family. Our deep condolences.
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