Paul C. Knudsen

1945 - 2021

Paul C. Knudsen, 76, of West Linn, OR, died Friday, October 22, 2021. He was born April 11, 1945 to Paul Theodor Knudsen of Viborg, Denmark and Evelyn Lucille Knudsen (nee Morse) of Blackwell, OK. He grew up in Hopatcong, NJ, and graduated from Sparta High School (1963) and Rutgers University (1967). He was a systems analyst for MetLife Insurance until he retired, and lived for many years in NYC before moving to Georgia and then Oregon.

Paul was a computer nerd before that was really a thing and was connecting with others online before most people even knew that was possible. He met his second wife, Noel, in an online chatroom--something so unusual back then that their marriage was written up in the Wall Street Journal. In person his hearing loss often interfered with communication, but online he could fully be his smart, funny, charming self. He was a member of Mensa, liked to play chess and bridge and the stock market, loved traveling and listening to music, and passed along his love of science fiction to his grateful daughter. He loved going for walks, especially in the beautiful forests around his home in Oregon. He also loved the many animal friends that shared his life over the years.

Paul is survived by his wife of 26 years, Noel Lee (also an early computer nerd); his daughter Michelle Ellis (nee Knudsen), from his first marriage to Florence Knudsen; his stepdaughter Davida Fernandez; and five step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held (appropriately) online for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Paul's memory to One Tree Planted to help plant trees in Oregon: https://onetreeplanted.org/collections/united-states/products/oregon