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Justin Robert Knapp

Justin Knapp Obituary

KNAPP, JUSTIN ROBERT Justin Robert (Gern) Knapp, age 23, of Santee, CA, much beloved brother, son, father, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away July 28, 2004 at Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was born February 13, 1981. Justin died as a result of injuries sustained in an ATV accident. Justin lived life to its fullest. He was gifted with a natural sense for comedy, mechanics and art. He also had a beautiful, deep singing voice. Justin's family tree can be traced all the way back to the Vikings. Justin was in the process of using his talents in pursuit of becoming a notable tattoo artist and also worked at a local auto shop. Justin was a proud San Diego native, but also spent part of his childhood in Phoenix and Payson, Ariz.; moving back to spend the remainder of his life in East County. Justin had an extraordinary ability to create strong inter-personal connections. Justin is a hero, saving the lives of several others through organ donation. Justin is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Houchin) Gern; sisters Melissa, Amanda and Kimberly Gern; children Julian Walter, 4; Ben Vargas, 3; Alysia Beauvais, 2; and many other family members and friends. A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. at YMCA Camp Surf, 106 Carnation Ave., Imperial Beach. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Aug. 11 to Aug. 13, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Justin Knapp

Sponsored by Elizabeth Gern, Justin's mom. I miss you sweetheart....

66 Entries

Aunt Teri

April 9, 2013

Tonight I am just thinking of Justin and was very sad. Time heals in many ways, but sometimes it just feels very recent. We still miss Justin.

Mom

May 6, 2012

Missing you

July 4, 2010

Missing you terribly today for some reason. Can't believe it's been almost 6 years, I can still hear you say "Hi Mom" Love you always...Mom

Lori Joyce

April 16, 2007

For some reason, I thought of you and your mom today. I hope you are keeping an eye on her from above.
Much love to those left behind.
<>

Gloria Houchin

February 13, 2007

Hello my dear grandson... I have been thinking about you all day today... This is your birthday & I just want you to know I remember...
I love you... Grammie

Joseph Perry

April 24, 2006

was thinking about your family and loved ones.... i thought i'd come and share some love for you.

i'm really sorry for the type of relationship we had, but from the little free time that we had together when we sat and talked... i could tell you really had a good heart. im sorry for the loss.

February 13, 2006

Hi Justin... Happy Birthday... We miss you a lot... Grammie

Julie

February 13, 2006

Hey, Justin, Happy Birthday to you from your Auntie Julie. Hope you're having a good one.

Teri Houchin

October 13, 2005

Just thinking of Justin as I do so often, wishing things could be different. We miss him.

Love, Aunt Teri

Elizabeth Gern

May 11, 2005

I miss you Justin, you are always in my heart. I 'borrowed' the following from a mailing list. I don't know who wrote it. It describes the way I feel. Love always, Mom

~~Please Say Their Names~~

The time of concern is over.

No longer are we asked how are we doing. Never are the names of our children mentioned to us. A curtain

desends. The moment has passed. Lives slip from frequent recall. There are exceptions: close and compassionate friends,sensitive and loving family. Still look. Still ask. Still listen. Thank God for them. For most,the drama is over. The spotlight is off. Applause is silent. But for us the play will never end. The effects on us are timeless.

What can be said, you ask? Please say "their names" to us. Love does not die. Their names are written on our lives. The sound of their voices replay within our minds. You may feel they are dead. We feel they are of the dead and still they live. Their ghost-walk our souls, beckoning in future welcome. You say "they were our children",we say " they are". Please say "their names" again. It hurts to bury their memory in silence. What they are in spirit stirs within us always. They were of our past but they are part of our now. They are our hope for the future. Please understand we cannot forget. We would not if we could.

We know that you cannot know, yesterday we were like you. Understand that we dwell in both flesh and spirit. We do not ask you to walk this road. The ascent is steep and the burden heavy. We walk it not by choice. We would rather walk it with them in the flesh, looking not to spirit worlds beyond. We are what we have to be. What we have lost, you cannot feel. What we have gained, you may not see. Please say "their names" for they are alive. We will meet them again, although in many ways we've never parted. Their spirits play light songs, appear in sunrises and sunsets. They are real and shadow, they were and they are. Please say "their names" to us and say "their names" again. They are our children and we love them as we always did. More each day.

Amie & Julian

April 20, 2005

Justin (Daddy),

Last night, with a pen and paper in hand, I asked Julian "If Daddy was here right now, what would you like to say to him?" You may already know what he said because I feel you with him alot, but just in case you had to be somewhere else and missed what he wants you to know...Julian said " Daddy, I love you dad. I wish you could come back, but you cant you are in heaven, please come back down.

God, I have a plan, find out how to make dad come back alive. Thats my dad up there thats my only hope, use your super powers. PLEASE God everyone misses him, thats Justin, my dad. Send him back here, I'm really sad I really really love my dad. Were sending this message because i need him, my dad, he's hurt and he's dead please God.

God, Please help me with a plan to make dad come to life, please God, really PLEASE."

Justin we love you! and really miss you, you are always on our mind and forever in our hearts!!

I Love You!!

Amie & Julian

Emily Conners

March 31, 2005

Hey Justin,

I am sitting at work and just wanted to say "HI" and that I've been thinking about you (a lot lately). Hope all is well in Heaven!!!

Love Always,

Emily

melissa gern

March 4, 2005

hi brother...

just wanted to let u know that i was thinkin about u and i love you very much! thanks for erasing all the channels off my TV! lol j/k i love u!

ur lil sis

Theresa Houchin

February 20, 2005

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years have gone by. And last week, February 13, would have been Justin's 24th Birthday. It will always be hard to accept that such a young life was taken away.

Aunt Teri

melissa gern

January 12, 2005

thinking of you every day... i love you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Mom

December 28, 2004

Dear Justin,

Not a moment went by on Christmas, or any other day for that matter, where I didn't think of you and miss you terribly.

I hope you heard me when I whispered "Merry Christmas, Justin" throughout the day.

I hope you like the presents I bought for your sisters and I on your behalf from that $11.00.

I hope you like the little live tree we will plant in your name.

Loving you and missing you always,

Mom

Melissa Gern

December 17, 2004

hello again big brother! Wow, it has been so hard these last couple weeks with all the holidays. There is definitely something missing... YOU! But i keep telling myself that you are still there even though we cannot see you, i hope this is true! I wish you were here though with us to celebrate and sing Christmas carols at Aunt Julie's house [like last year! :-)] i miss you so much brother... the pain really does come and go. Sometimes I am okay and other times I cannot even keep it together! it is especially hard this month, seeing everybody go on about there lives as if nothing is different. i dont even want to celebrate this xmas. please big brother... I am asking you to show me that you are still here with me and give me the strength to keep going because I am ready to just give up! I love you Justin and I will continue to miss you until we get to meet again! you were a great brother and i am so glad that i got to have you in my life and share some of the great moments that i did with you! those memories are very special to me... thank you for being such a good big brother, but above all, thank you for being my best friend! {tear}

R.I.P. >> until we meet again my brother...

your 'lil sis, Melissa

Beth Gern

November 25, 2004

Happy Thanksgiving sweetie....missing you so much. I'm trying hard to recognize the things I have to be greatful for, but everything seems to be darkened by the shadow of grief. Love always, Mom

____________________________

I'll Lend You A Child

by Edgar Guest

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.

For you to love - while he lives

And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care or him for Me?

He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,

And should this stay be brief

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

I've looked this world over

In search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd

Life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor count the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call to

Take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard then say,

"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,

For all the joy Thy child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,

We'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that come

And try to understand."

Camille Lee

October 12, 2004

Justin,

Please hook up with my son, Todd Lee. You both are so loved and will always be remembered and missed.

Camille Lee

Todd's Mom

Wanda Estes

October 10, 2004

Beth,

Thank you for the opportunity to express my sorrw at the loss of your talented and gifted son, Justin. You and your family are in my prayers.

A grieving mother,

Wanda (AKA Runningamma)

Joanne Mazzotta

September 29, 2004

Dear Justin,

I know you are getting the messages and prayer from that place we all go to one day.

I believe we are all here to do somethng and when our mission is complete, we go back home.

Please look my son Danny up. He is blond with big brown eyes and a smile so beautiful it can light up the heavens. You will like him. He is a fun guy. I hope he shows you around and makes you smile as he made all of us here smile so much.

In a small book written by Pat Rodagast titled Emanuel... I read about that place and remember the part where Emanuel said, "Dying is like taking off a tight pair of shoes. I want that to be true. I believe, (though I'm Catholic) that Emanuel's take on death is perfectly natural and though you met your death by surprise, it was no accident. I pray that book finds its way to your mother's hands, as I know her grief is still new and she will need it.

Please try to connect to your mother because she needs you to do that.. May your children's journey be smooth and filled with love.

Godspeed

Heart to heart..

Joanne

Beth Gern

September 20, 2004

Thank you to everyone for you prayers and support; it has been a great comfort to us in this time of great sorrow.

My dearest son Justin: I love you and miss you more than you can ever possibly know. I think about you and remember you every day.

I promise you I will do everything I can to help your children; they will all know you through pictures, stories and our wonderful memories.

I will never, ever forget you. There is a hole in my heart that nobody will ever fill.

I'll see you on the other side someday sweetie.

God bless you, God speed.

Love ~Mom~

melissa gern

September 18, 2004

i am still thinking about you everyday Justin!!! i love you so much!!

Chris Walter

September 16, 2004

my heart goes out to all Justin's family. I have always looked up to Justin, he was like a brother to me. The world will not be the same without you. there are so many people that love and miss you. Julian wanted me to say he loves and misses you.

GOD BLESS & R.I.P

Chris Walter AKA "Aunt chris"

Sue Smith

September 13, 2004

Dear Beth & family

Our deepest sympathies are with you. Time will heal far more than words but savour the memories and they will always live on in your heart.

Julie Mullaney

August 31, 2004

I am so sorry that I never got to meet you in person, Justin. This is such a sad loss for all your family. You are gone but you live on. Congratulations for all the lives you have helped to save.

Love to Beth, Melissa, Amanda, Kimberly,

Cousin Julie

Kassey Agosta

August 31, 2004

Jusin was incredible, he had such a huge heart!! I remember when I was living with the family I started ditching school and when Justin found out he told me that if he hears that I was still ditching he was going to wake up every morning to walk me to school! I will miss Justin very much he was just like a brother to me and I will never forget him. And someday I will see you on the other side Justin!

Joseph Perry

August 24, 2004

My prayers go out to your family Justin.

Sam Tolmasoff

August 23, 2004

Dearest of Little Cousins:

My heart breaks to hear of this tragedy. Such a handsome and wonderful young man, I so wish I could have known him. What a blessing that he had children to carry on.

Love, Your Cousin

Sam

Billy Buse

August 19, 2004

Im sorry about the loss of Justin, he seemed, even though i didnt know him very well, to be a good man, and was a great father to julian, it is just very sad and tragic that he is gone, but keep your heads up.

Hau-Yin Leung

August 17, 2004

Dear Beth, Amanda, Melissa and Kimberly,

Days might have been rainy but remember rainbow always comes after rain. Justin was a very special person and I know that he is watching over you, everyday of your lives. Justin has indeed lived his life to its fullest, by saving those who were in need of survival, not only one, but many. My great respect to Justin and you all!

Emily Conners

August 15, 2004

Justin- I miss you! I know that you will be here to help ALL of US through this. You will always be apart of my heart and many others as well. I remeber the first time i met you, we talked and talked and talked! We didn't shut up!!! We didn't want to go home but we both had to work. That night keeps playing over and over in my mind. MEMORIES!!!! I miss you and one day, I don't know when, but one day, I will see you. Beth, Melissa, Kim and Amanda, I am here for you and all you have to do is ring. I'll be there. I love you justin! "Its for the love we've had and the love we've lost."

That's for you baby!

See ya in my dreams honey...

terrie lamer

August 14, 2004

i know all is dark now, but soon the sun will shine and he'll be with you every step of the way. when the clouds clear you'll know. shorty

Erik and Maria Smith

August 14, 2004

Although we never met Justin. We are saddened to hear of your loss. Ardyce Smith informed us of this horrible tragedy. We are praying for your family. May God comfort you during this time. God bless.

Leon Snaid

August 14, 2004

Beth, My thoughts go out to you and your family at this time of great sadness

Kym Barry

August 14, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

The Barry Family

Bill, Kym, Hailey, & Zoe

Miss Me – But Let Me Go.

When I came to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me little – but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

It’s all a part of the Master’s Plan, a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.

And burry your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me – but let me go.

JENI SPERRY

August 13, 2004

I AM LEVI KLEIN'S GIRLFRIEND,I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT, JUSTIN WAS THE FIRST FRIEND I MET OF HIS; AND HE ALWAYS SAID JUSTIN WAS LIKE HIS BROTHER. HE WAS SUCH AN AWESOME PERSON TO BE AROUND. HE WAS SO MUCH FUN. GOD REST HIS SOUL IN PEACE, AND MAY GOD BLESS HIS LOVED ONES THROUGH THIS HARD TIME. I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU JUSTIN! KEEP IT REAL IN HEAVEN BECUASE WE WILL MEET AGAIN!

Tom, Barbara, Bill Buse

August 13, 2004

Our deepest condolences. May god with be with you at this time of sorrow.

Tom, Barbara & Bill

Lisa Schlosser

August 13, 2004

Teresa Houchin informed me of your tragic loss. Although I never met Justin, my deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. My prayers are with you all.

Roberta Hewlett

August 13, 2004

Beth, Melissa, Amanda, and Kimberly,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. It is difficult to say goodbye to someone you love so much. I hope you can take comfort knowing that Justin gave of himself to help others. He will always be a part of your life no matter where he is.

Love to you all,

(Aunt) Roberta Hewlett

Grandma Martha

August 13, 2004

"Oh you sweet boy"

Thoughts by Great Grandmother upon hearing the sad news, she loves this young man dearly..

Diane Mehlbrech

August 13, 2004

My prayers are with the families whose lives were touched by Justin, that they may be comforted.

Chaplain Andrew Herron-Sweet

August 13, 2004

What a devoted and supportive family I witnessed at Sharp Hospital. The desire to help others through Justin's organ donation is a wonderful thing that will continue to give life to several people for years to come.

melissa gern

August 12, 2004

thank you to everyone who has sent their thoughts, prayers, and support! it means more than you will ever know! justin was my big brother and he did a great job! i will forever miss him but i hold in my heart all the wonderful memories i have with him!

thanx for everything bro... I LOVE YOU!!!

your lil' sis

melissa

Grandma Grandpa

August 12, 2004

Justin is our first grandchild. We loved you with with all the love a grand-parent can have. Our wonderful memories of you will never leave us. We held you as a new born & held your hand on your last day. This is so hard-so hard.

Grandma & Grandpa

Amie & Julian Walter

August 12, 2004

Daddy, We love and miss you. You will always be with us in our hearts! XOXO

Theresa Houchin

August 12, 2004

Our family and so many of Justin's friends are so sad, thank you to everyone for the encouraging thoughts. I will deeply miss my nephew. Aunt Teri.

John Davis

August 12, 2004

Beth, Melissa, Amanda, Kimberly. It's impossible to express my sympathy, we will all miss Justin. Your friends from New Zealand say it well "be Strong".

Love Uncle John

Teri Garcia

August 12, 2004

Justin was always a sweet and well mannored kid. He was a good friend to my brother.I am so sorry about your loss.

Mindy Witthoft

August 12, 2004

Gonna miss ya Justin, I got use to seeing you about every other month for my oil changes or when you use to work at petco when I needed crickets. Thanks for being such a nice guy, and keeping me entertained in the classes we had together at school. You were a great guy from the little I really knew about you.

Karen & Sam Barragan

August 12, 2004

I have never met you but my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God comfort you and your family during your time of sorrow.

The Beauvais Family

August 12, 2004

Sharing in your sorrow although words cannot begin to ease the sorrow of your loss, please know that your in the prayers of so many that care. Justin will never be forgotten and his memories and love will live on in our hearts.

Deborah Wood

August 12, 2004

My deepest condolences. Beth, my thoughts are with you.

Geoffrey Dolan

August 11, 2004

I didn't get the chance to meet Justin but his Mum is very proud of him, as she is of all of her children, and if she is anything to go by he is bound to have had a good heart and caring personality. We each show our spirit in different ways and use it as we see fit. Kia Kaha (be strong)

Suzanne Baracchini

August 11, 2004

The Baracchini family heard of your family's tragic loss from Teresa Houchin, although we didn't know Justin, we offer our deepest sympothies to all of you and may Justin always rest in peace.

Robert Baker

August 11, 2004

Godspeed Justin. Ms. Gern, I was Justins' boss, it was a pleasure to know Justin. We at his work are very sorry for your families loss. God Bless.

Robert Bruce

August 11, 2004

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.

The Maori have a saying "Kia Kaha":-

Be strong.

Much love, Robert

Julie Guroff

August 11, 2004

We all love you, kiddo. Thanks for the Justin McMuffins and the baritone Christmas Carols and the sweet children. Auntie Julie

Kristi Payne

August 11, 2004

Beth, I am thinking of you. We love you.

william gern

August 11, 2004

Justin in life tried to show all the light, now he can be a light for all

Safe Journey

bill

Lori Joyce

August 11, 2004

Justin, I never knew you in person, but over the years, Beth, your mother and my friend, shared many hours of "keyboard time" with me--telling me of your life, your triumphs, and your ups and downs in becoming a man. What sticks out now is how proud of you she was when it came to Julian, and what a great dad you were to him. You live on in your children. :) Love and hugs to Beth, Melissa, Kimberly and Amanda. My thoughts are with you always.

Carmella Moutaw

August 11, 2004

The Moutaw family sends it's sincerest sympathy to Justin's family.

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