Russ Knapp

Don Russell “Russ” Knapp, born on December 11, 1954 to Don & Joyce Knapp in Pocatello, Idaho. Russ was the oldest of 3 kids with a younger brother, Kerry, and sister, Cindy. His mom often joked she and Russ grew up together as she was just 19 when she had him. They had a very close relationship. Russ grew up playing baseball riding around with the neighborhood boys on his bike, causing mayhem as most boys do. He graduated high school in 1973 from Pocatello High school and rode saddlebronc in many a rodeo in Eastern Idaho in his early twenties. In late 1975, Russ met Robbie and the two hit it off quickly. Four short months later, they were married on April 16, 1976, a union that lasted 38 years. Their son, Ryan, was born in 1978 followed by a daughter, Katie, in 1980. 1980, Russ’ work moved the family to Nampa where he worked a couple of odd jobs before settling down in Southeast Boise in 1985 where he and Robbie raised their kids. He worked on the Lucky Peak Dam and was also a member of Local 296 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Russ traveled a lot for work – to Laramie, WY, Battle Mountain, NV, Bakersfield, CA and several other locations in California, mostly specializing in dam projects, and returned to Boise to work for Micron in throughout the 1990s. Russ spent his summers umpiring Ryan’s baseball and Katie’s softball games, golfing, fishing The Big Lost, and chasing elk around the mountains. This time was always special to Russ as he and the family often spent Memorial and Labor Day weekends camping in the quiet little town of Mackay, Idaho. He loved to dance and listening to Chris Ladoux. He loved being silly and making people smile. He loved chili cook offs, and even crossed off a couple of bucket list golfing trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and Bandon Dunes, OR. He loved trips to the Oregon coast (Beverly Beach was his favorite) and cooking oysters on the half shell. He loved western movies, Louis Lamour books and rodeos. He loved camping and fishing. But most of all, he loved his grandkids. He was very proud of his kids and loved spending time with his 5 grandkids. Russ worked alongside his dad throughout most of his career, something he really cherished. He was very close with his parents and never missed a Sunday dinner or holiday with them. In later years, health issues forced Russ into an early retirement. He moved to Montana and enjoyed spending time in the mountains and rock hunting along the Bitterroot River with Carleen Miller. The last handful of years threw trials and tribulations his way but he was fortunate enough to find happiness with Carleen. We are grateful his last few years were filled with a fun and loving companion. Russ is survived by his son, Ryan (Mary), daughter, Katie (Nick), five grandchildren (Molly, Emily, Izzy, Paul and Anthony), sister, Cindy (Steve) Jones and brother, Kerry, and several nephews. He is preceded in death by both his mom and dad. While we all knew his health was declining over the last few years, we remained hopeful he would bounce back and turn things around. His life ended much too abruptly and there is still so much he wanted to do. He will be truly missed for his corny one-liners (Russ-isms”), positive attitude and encouraging words. We love you, Dad. Russ will be interned with his parents at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise in a private family ceremony. A memorial and reception celebrating Russ’ life will occur Saturday, August 8th at 1:00p, 2811 W. State Street in Eagle. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.