Robert Knill of Port Hadlock passed away on March 5th at the age of 97. He was born Thomas William Knill on September 18th, 1926, in Denver Colorado and grew up in Louisville Colorado. He entered the Navy in August of 1944 and was assigned to protect the Merchant Marine ships during WWII. He received an honorable discharge in June of 1946, married Barbara (Harlow) and moved back to Louisville Colorado where he worked for the town hardware store. They soon moved to San Francisco, and he pursued various careers starting with Fuller Brush salesman, and sales in the Sears Roebuck Appliance Department. He and his wife had two daughters, Dorian and Kim. For several years he was a very successful car salesman in San Francisco. In 1962 he and his first wife divorced, and he started a plaster casting business reproducing ancient sculptures. In 1964 he began working for the San Francisco Plasterers Union for 10 years. He legally changed his name to Robert in 1965. In 1974, Robert married Marlena (Ledgard) and became the stepfather to her daughter Rosanna and moved to Carmel Valley California where he worked for a small construction company. In 1975 they had their daughter Amelia and Robert started his own plastering business. In 1985 the family moved to the San Rafael California and Robert again worked for the Plasterers Union until his retirement in 1991. After his retirement they moved to Mount Vernon, Washington. He and his second wife separated in 1999 but continuing as friends they both moved to Port Hadlock/Chimacum area. His hobbies over the years were raising tropical birds, creating bonsai trees, building wooden furniture, creating beautiful rock gardens, with koi fishponds and waterfalls, carving wooden birds, and building detailed historic model ships. He particularly enjoyed being with his daughters and their families for the many family gatherings, barbeques, and corn hole game competitions. He is sorely missed by family and friends who so enjoyed his gentle presence, kindness and dry humor.
There will be a private burial on Monday March 25 followed by a small reception for local family and friends in Port Hadlock WA. Please see the Lewis Chapel website at www.lewischapel.com for more details and information regarding the reception. Arrangements entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary.
