The earthly journey of Larry Noel Knapman reached its end on June 5, 2018, at Liard Hot Springs Campground on the Alaska Highway in British Columbia, Canada. The gift of life was given to him on Jan. 22, 1939, by George E. and Ione L. (Rosenbrock) Knapman when he was born in Detroit, Michigan.
At a very young age, the family moved to Wrightstown, near Tucson, Arizona, where Larry grew up and graduated from high school. He earned his degree from University of Arizona and immediately began his career as a Natural Resource specialist with the Bureau of Land Management. Larry's first service was in Worland, Wyoming. Then, he spent a few years in Prineville, Oregon, but his love was Alaska, moving to Fairbanks in 1973. He loved working outdoors with conservation of air, soil and water, which included fighting forest fires. He took many Alaska crews to fight fires in the lower states, as well as throughout Alaska. For the last few years of his career, he was also a reindeer range manager. He enjoyed working with the native reindeer herders on the Seward Peninsula.
In 1960, in Estes Park, Colorado, he married Susan Stevens. Together they raised their son, Kemp, and daughter, Cina. Both being the pride and joy of their father.
Having learned to play the harmonica at the age of 8, thanks to his Grandfather Rosenbrock, he often played harmonica as a volunteer for events in Fairbanks, Fox and North Pole. He enjoyed playing his banjo, the dulcimer he built, the banjo mandolin of his grandfathers which he restored and his ukulele with The Guitar Group. He taught harmonica classes for OLLI. He was most proud of being one of the founding father's of the North Star Volunteer Fire Department and held badge No. 3. As a volunteer, he not only fought fires, but was a Red Cross first aid instructor; served as a trained facilitator for Beginning Experiences; booth sat at the Tanana Valley State fair for various organizations; and ushered for his church, Summer Arts Festival, FLOT and Fairbanks Drama. He was an active member and past president of Men's Igloos 4 Pioneers of Alaska, NARRFE, AARP, Tundra Rollers, Hot Denali Harps, Raven Landing Harmonicas, The Guitar Group, Polar Promenaders Square Dance club and on occasion called square dances.
In College, Alaska, on Nov. 29, 1986, he married Ruth Jolly Carr. They enjoyed 31 years supporting each other in their respective interest, exploring Alaska, and traveling the world. Upon retirement from BLM, he joined Ruth in her Golden Enterprises business as a tour guide, at which he was very good.
Larry was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sister, Lucille "Lee" Fairchild (Merv Thurman) of Kingman, Arizona; son, Kemp (Renata) Knapman; daughter, Cina (Warren) Fisher; grandchildren, Jessica (Tallas) Jourdan, Jarod Keefe, Aurora Keefe, Devon (Onyx) Knapman and Nickolas (Alexis) Knapman, all of Anchorage; step grandchildren Alex Roschin of California, Laurin (Jacob) McKenna, William Fisher, of Fairbanks; step children, Robert VanVeldhuizen, of Wasilla, Jay (Debbie) VanVeldhuizen, of Mead, Washington, Varina (Alan) Pickett, of Midvale, Idaho; grandchildren, Jake VanVeldhuizen, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Matt VanVeldhuizen, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Josh (Sonja) VanVeldhuizen, of Spokane, Washington, Kristina (Kyle) Bartholomew, of Spokane, Washington, Melissa Pickett, of MountainView California, Joe (Annie) Pickett, of Caldwell, Idaho; and great grandsons, Liam and Killian Jourdan; step great grandchildren, Tanner, Kaylee, June, Mirra Jourdan, of Redmond, Oregon; Sister-in-law Nancy (Walter) Howell, of Earlham, Iowa; son-in-law Tom Keefe; and Uncle Jack Knapman, of Roseville, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested memorials may be made to UCPC (University community Presbyterian Church) or a charity of your choice. Services will be officiated by Reverend Neill McKay at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at University community Presbyterian Church at 3510 College Road. Online condolences may be made to the family at blanchardfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Source: Daily News-Miner from Jun. 18 to Jun. 19, 2018