Robert "Bob" Knowles

Robert (Bob) Allen Knowles passed away due to heart complications on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 11:53PM in the care of Kootenai Medical Center at the age of 67. Bob was placed into the arms of Cecil and Peggy Knowles on January 3, 1946 in Santa Ana, California where he spent his early childhood years. In 1961, the family moved onto Rapid Lightning Road in Sandpoint, Idaho surrounded by nature that Bob immediately loved. Bob was an industrious young man and at the age of sixteen, went to work in the logging industry. By 1965, he was working for Hedlund Lumber a company that he would follow to Minden, Nevada. During this time, Bob was also a volunteer for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. 1976 brought Bob back to Sandpoint, Idaho working for Brand S Lumber in Laclede, Idaho. By 1979, Bob had been blessed with three beautiful daughters and made a big move to Adak, Alaska where he worked side-by- side with his parents at Northwest Services, FOSS Alaska and fishing the Great Bering Sea. He retired from Northwest Services leaving Adak in 1984, returning home to his beloved Sandpoint. He came out of retirement and became a welding instructor at North Idaho College and helped in the building of the Bonner Mall. Whether it was on the water, fishing or enjoying the timber and terrain on a hunt, Bob was happiest when he was in the outdoors. His passion for hunting led him to a career as a gunsmith, where he enjoyed the challenges of building long-range rifles and later competing in 1000 yard shooting competitions. Bob was also one of the original Range Masters for the City of Sandpoint Outdoor Shooting Range. Bob and his wife, Gisele were married in 1996 and moved into their home that Bob built in Cocolalla, Idaho. Between the two of them, they now had five adult daughters and grandchildren, and their blended family continued to grow. For eighteen years, the two enjoyed a full life of excitement, passion, ups, downs, sickness, health and the strength of their love withstood it all. In addition to his passion for the outdoors, Bob will be remembered for his quick wit, spirit of adventure and the tenaciousness that allowed him to achieve success in many diverse endeavors. From building guns to houses and fixing electronics, Bob’s knowledge and willingness to help made him the friend to call in a time of need. He fought every storm life handed him head-on and refused to give up. With a joke and a laugh, even on the hardest of days he would find moments to share his playful smile. For the friends and family that Bob has left behind; the sound of his laughter will forever be missed. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Knowles. He was survived by his wife, Gisele Knowles and mother, Peggy Knowles. Two brothers, John Knowles (Janice), Mike Knowles (Debbie); sister, Pat Bocian. Daughters, Tammy Knowles-Wright, Delsie Tremblay, Bobbi Hills (Jayson). Step Daughters, Carrie Bomar and Lisa Taylor (Brad). Grandchildren, Cameron (Sammy), Courtney, Brittany, Kristin, Mason, Clarisse, Benjamin, Kurtis, Ashley, Brandon, Zack and Dylan. Great Grandchildren, Niquea, and Abbigale (Due in July). Personal Message to Bob from his Daughter Bobbi, “Take your place once again as ‘Zeus’ of the Mountain as you always were”. Memorial Service will be held at Coffelts Moon Chapel, in Sandpoint, Idaho on June 19th at 4PM. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Heart Association.