Cecil Edward Knowles, 82

Cecil Edward Knowles, 82, passed away in Apache Junction, Ariz., on April 18, 2008. He was born to George William and Helen Iverson Knowles in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on June 18, 1925.

At age five, his family moved to southern California. He served his country in World War II in the Pacific until the end of the war.

He married Peggy Marie Nelson in San Diego on Sept. 19, 1944. After the war, they moved to Costa Mesa, Calif., where Cecil ran a plumbing business and built a home where they lived until, like many Californians, took a vacation to Sandpoint, fell in love with the area and moved to Sandpoint in 1960.

Cecil’s years in Sandpoint were filled with many occupations. He worked in the mills and logging industry for several years before starting a plumbing business.

in 1975, he moved to Adak, Alaska, where he worked for the United Services until 1984. He then returned to Sandpoint to retire in 1984. Cecil and Peggy traveled the country in their RV for several years, visiting the many friends they had made over the years. They permanently moved to Arizona in 2004.

His retirement years were filled with many activities. He was range master at the rifle range for the city of Sandpoint. His love for guns and hunting made this an ideal job for him, which enjoyed immensely. Cecil was a lifetime member of the NRA and the VFW.

He also was a member and past president of the Circle and Swing Square Dance Club. He was active in the Elks and Eagles.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 64 years, Peggy Knowles; sons Robert Knowles (Giselle), John Knowles (Janice) and Mike Knowles (Debbie), all of Sandpoint; one daughter, Patricia Bocian of Boise; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wilbur Rhum of El Monte, Calif.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Kim Woodruff, city of Sandpoint, Parks and Recreation Department, for a memorial in his honor to be placed at the Sandpoint Rifle Range.

The family will hold a memorial gathering in early July for family and friends.