Andrew C. Knaphus |
| Posted 2013-01-22 by Pat Wilson |
| Andrew C. Knaphus. Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, Andrew C. Knaphus passed from this life Friday, April 14, 2006. Andy was born 13 October 1920 in Richfield, UT to Andrew L. Knaphus and Myrtle C. Christensen. He was the fifth of twelve children. Andy and Margret were blessed with 3 children, Bruce Andrew Knaphus, (Brenda) Martin Clare Knaphus (Margaret) and Heather Jean Knaphus Gustafson. (Arnold James.) They have eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Andy received his early education graduating from Richfield High School, Richfield, Utah. His college undergraduate degree was from Washington State University. He was awarded his Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Arizona State University. He was a beloved teacher and administrator in the Cartwright Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona for many years. He treasured his years in scouting as a youth in Richfield: his sons, Bruce and Martin received their Eagle Scout awards while their father served as Assistant Scout Master. He served as official photographer during his boys' scouting years. He took hundreds of colored slides of their activities. Andy was very talented in many ways. Many persons thrilled at his beautiful bass voice. He and Margret composed a number of hymns and their vocal solo, "Meet Me Today at the Temple," exemplifies their love of the Savior and His gospel. Life in the small town of Richfield during the depression years as seen through the eyes of an adventuresome youth he brought to life through his memoirs in poetry. His family cherishes his book, "Memory's Pathways." In it he told of hunting, fishing, and trapping, as taught by his father, who brought these skills from his native Norway. Haikus, a form of Japanese poetry was a form he enjoyed composing. "Paper lace art," is what he called his creations achieved through folding, cutting and embellishing his "snow flakes." He fashioned hearts, the silhouettes of Washington, Lincoln, 3-leaf clovers, etc. Some of these he had mounted are treasured gifts to his grandchildren. He also demonstrated his Knaphus art heritage through his oil paintings, pine cone wreaths, etc. Andy had a "green thumb" as he always had a beautiful yard of flowers and shrubs. He enjoyed the grandeur of nature. Many persons can call him blessed for his service to the Savior, Jesus Christ as he served three full time missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which included a temple mission in the Guatemala City Temple. He loved his country and it's Constitution. He served in the United States Army in Europe and in Asia. He met his wife while stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. They were married 21 December, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Harold B. Lee. Andy was an honest, humble man, much beloved by his family, associates, students and friends. His life was a blessing to all who knew him. Arrangements were handled under the direction of Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422. Published in The Arizona Republic on 4/20/2006. |
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