Topic: WHAT A LOSS: FROM PETE RAWLUK RE: RUSS KNIPP

[janice.knipp]

WHAT A LOSS - PETE RAWLUK'S MESSAGE RE: RUSS KNIPP

Pete has graciously granted his permission to share his special remembrances of Russ Knipp.   Thank you, Pete.
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What a Loss:

Jan,
I haven’t seen you for probably 35 years and Russ a little more recently (still 31 years ago, 1975 I believe might have been the last time that I saw Russ) and I have never met Robert Russell, your son.

I was totally devastated and immensely saddened when I first read about the passing of Russ, I just had a very hard time believing it had actually happened. How tragic for such a great person, one that I had the greatest admiration for.

We were competitors and competed against each other several times and the respect that I held for Russ was unmatched towards anyone else that I competed against. He was the most sincere, compassionate and honest person that I ever met, one who would do anything to help you out if you needed help, no matter what it might be.

He will be truly missed by everyone who ever came in contact with him. I only wish that I could have seen him over the last several years; you just don’t realize how much you miss someone or how much of an impact they have on your own life until their passing occurs.

On a lighter note, I still remember going to the wedding ceremony between you two at Arrowhead Springs, although I am not sure which year it occurred in, 1968 or 1969. I also remember kissing your sister after the ceremony and congratulating her, thinking that it was you. It was an embarrassing moment for me at the time but a fond memory now, one of many that I have of Russ.
Jan & Russell Robert, please accept my sincerest condolences and only I wish that I could have attended the final services to convey my feelings in person.
Sincerely,
Pete Rawluk