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Adolph KNOPP

February 25, 2005

KNOPP Adolph "Bert" Long-time builder, businessman and resident of Red Deer, Adolph "Bert" Knopp passed away in the comfort of his loving wife and five children in Indio, California on February 14, 2005. Bert was born on January 26, 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta, one of seven children to Gottlieb and Ernestine Knopp. Originally raised in Hay Lakes and later Wetaskiwin, Bert left the family farm at the tender age of 15 to work as a high rigger in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. This initial work experience eventually led to a long and successful career as a carpenter, farmer, and business owner/operator. Bert was a well-known and respected house builder, particularly throughout the 1960's when he served a term as President of the Red Deer House Builders' Association. Hardworking, ambitious and entrepreneurial, Bert moved from the construction industry into a range of other businesses, as well as achieving his life long dream of returning to his roots by owning and operating a mixed cattle and grain farm. Along with his brothers and other family members, he created a Red Deer based manufacturing firm of light recreational vehicles. Bert loved automobiles, and while farming his land, some of which is now part of the River Bend Golf Course, he also worked as a salesperson and then promoted to a sales manager at MGM Lincoln Mercury. Bert then returned to the recreational vehicle industry. He first opened a small RV dealership in Red Deer and then in 1983 he purchased the much larger Eldorado RV dealership in Lethbridge, Alberta, which continues to grow and prosper. Bert served as a Board Member and later President of the Alberta Recreational Vehicle Association. The most important love of Bert's life were his wife Jean, his children Michael, Gregory, Susan, Elizabeth and Patricia, and of course his eleven grandchildren whom he absolutely adored. He had many close friends and relatives whom he considered and treated as immediate family members. Although an extremely hard worker, Bert lived under the principle that "work is for life" and not the other way around. He maintained a strong balance between work and recreation, and his greatest joy was to spend quality time with his family and friends. The "Knopp Farm", which was built from the ground-up by Bert's own hands, was not only a renowned gathering place for family reunions and get-togethers, but indeed, was also a well-known and favourite entertaining spot for countless numbers of Knopp family friends. Bert and Jean loved travelling together throughout North America in their motor home, as well experiencing new cultures overseas in such far-flung places as S.E. Asia and South America. They spent the last seven winters residing in Indio, California where they made many new wonderful friends from throughout Canada and the United States. Bert is survived by his sister Tillie Chapman of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; his wife Jean of Red Deer, Alberta; his children Michael (Heather) Knopp of Melbourne, Australia, Greg Knopp of Lethbridge, Alberta, Susan Knopp (Laird Anderson) of Red Deer, Alberta, Elizabeth Allen (Tom) of Regina, Saskatchewan, and Patti Harrison (Eric) of Calgary, Alberta; and his grandchildren Chelsa, Mathew, Samantha, Julianne, Katie, Mairi, Calum, Hayden, Austin, Townes and Sophie. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; oldest brother William who passed away as an infant; his twin sister Elizabeth (1963); his brothers Jerry (1970) and Ervin (2001); and his sister Hattie (2003). A Memorial Service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Red Deer on Thursday, February 24 at 1:00 pm. Family members request that attendees refrain from giving flowers and suggest instead that those wishing to make donations do so to the Tom Baker Cancer Research Foundation, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N2, or a charity of their choice. Bert was a larger than life character who was deeply loved and respected. He will be severely missed by his family and large circle of friends. Visitors to the River Bend Golf and Recreation Area will also miss seeing him making the rounds on one of his riding lawn mowers, cutting the grass to perfection in order to keep the "Knopp Farm" looking as good as the golf course.