Michael S. Knowles

Michael Knowles, 63, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 20th, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Kristi Knowles for 21 years. Proud father of Rebecca Stoner (Curtis Stoner of Sarnia, ON), Samuel Thomas Knowles (Victoria, BC), Dylan Knowles (Chelsea Goddard of Vancouver, BC), Maddie Knowles (Mt. Lebanon), and Theo Knowles (Mt. Lebanon). Loving “Gramps” to Wilson Stoner. Caring brother to Greg Knowles (Alison Knowles of Comox, BC). Uncle to Valerie Hedlin (Chris Hedlin of Comox, BC) and Claire Knowles (Kamloops, BC).

The son of Samuel D. Knowles and Lorraine Dornan, he was born on May 9th, 1961 in Toronto, ON. Mike spent his early childhood in Nassau, Bahamas. He graduated high school from Ridley in St. Catharines, ON. He studied at Guelph University, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. 

Mike had a diverse career as an operations manager spanning various industries and locations including Walkers Cay, Bahamas; Ingersoll, ON; Nassau, Bahamas; eventually settling in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Mike’s number one priority was family. You could frequently see him supporting his children by ubering them to soccer games, sailing lessons, theatre rehearsals & performances, swim meets, and art shows. He enjoyed family activities such as camping trips and YMCA Princesses Guides programs. Mike loved his pet dogs Marina and Dexter.

As a lover of the natural world, he enjoyed the water, the beach, and the mountains. Throughout the years he had a passion for hiking, biking, boating, skiing, water skiing, diving, and wind surfing. Very fond of a good IPA, he was the master of grillingand culinary ventures. He was kind, generous and an intelligent man. He will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 from 6-8pm at the William Slater II Funeral Home, 1650 Greentree Rd, Pittsburgh, PA. A private celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Hillman Cancer Center at www.upmchillman.com/donate.