David Luis Knops
Berkeley
David Luis Knops, a longtime resident of Berkeley, passed away peacefully at 96yrs after a full and long life on July 3 in Concord.
Born January 30, 1919, a twin in Oakland to Anita Fatjo a descendant of Don Jose Dario Arguella the first Spanish Governor of California and Henry J. Knops.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1937 where he excelled in journalism and track. He served in the US Army during WWII alongside his twin brother Ernie from 1942-1946. On Feb. 14, 1945 he married his beloved Ethel Mae Gustafson who preceded him in death in 2013. A devout couple they were married for almost 69 yrs.
David trained at National Upholstery Co. and then worked for Berkeley Chair & Lounge. With Ethel by his side, he opened Knops Upholstery Shop in 1958 in Berkeley. Along with Joe Avalos, Maria Marques and Jose Rodriguez, David stressed high quality workmanship and his name became well known in the Bay Area. His clients were varied from Admiral Nimitz to the Oakland Museum. In 1987, he sold his business to the Rodriguez family who to this day have kept the Knops name alive.
After heart surgery he became an active member of the Berkeley YMCA Cardiac Rehab (Healthy Heart) program for over 30 yrs. Up to a month before his 95th birthday, he was still attending classes 3 days a week and then would go faithfully to the Original Pollo (Mo's) on Shattuck for breakfast.
David was most proud of the cabin he built in Forestville on the Russian River. Ethel and he spent many happy holidays there entertaining family and friends.
An avid Giants, A's and 49er fan, his caregivers introduced him to basketball and together they cheered on the Warriors.
He is survived by his nephews Charles Newman (Joann), Richard Schad and niece Catherine Look, Ellen Felker and Lavern McSkimmering. He will be greatly missed by Catherine Bolcerek from his extended Heidt family, the Berkeley YMCA family and many close neighbors and friends.
Special gratitude to Joseph Andres and Vincent Felias his devoted caregivers during his last year at home. To Bethany Homes of Concord for their loving care during the past few months and to Ace Hospice of Orinda for their graceful guidance and who gave David peace and dignity during his final days.
A Celebration of David's Life will be held on Aug 18 at 2:00 pm at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. Fr. George Crespin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Berkeley YMCA Healthy Heart Program or Disabled Veterans.
Berkeley
David Luis Knops, a longtime resident of Berkeley, passed away peacefully at 96yrs after a full and long life on July 3 in Concord.
Born January 30, 1919, a twin in Oakland to Anita Fatjo a descendant of Don Jose Dario Arguella the first Spanish Governor of California and Henry J. Knops.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1937 where he excelled in journalism and track. He served in the US Army during WWII alongside his twin brother Ernie from 1942-1946. On Feb. 14, 1945 he married his beloved Ethel Mae Gustafson who preceded him in death in 2013. A devout couple they were married for almost 69 yrs.
David trained at National Upholstery Co. and then worked for Berkeley Chair & Lounge. With Ethel by his side, he opened Knops Upholstery Shop in 1958 in Berkeley. Along with Joe Avalos, Maria Marques and Jose Rodriguez, David stressed high quality workmanship and his name became well known in the Bay Area. His clients were varied from Admiral Nimitz to the Oakland Museum. In 1987, he sold his business to the Rodriguez family who to this day have kept the Knops name alive.
After heart surgery he became an active member of the Berkeley YMCA Cardiac Rehab (Healthy Heart) program for over 30 yrs. Up to a month before his 95th birthday, he was still attending classes 3 days a week and then would go faithfully to the Original Pollo (Mo's) on Shattuck for breakfast.
David was most proud of the cabin he built in Forestville on the Russian River. Ethel and he spent many happy holidays there entertaining family and friends.
An avid Giants, A's and 49er fan, his caregivers introduced him to basketball and together they cheered on the Warriors.
He is survived by his nephews Charles Newman (Joann), Richard Schad and niece Catherine Look, Ellen Felker and Lavern McSkimmering. He will be greatly missed by Catherine Bolcerek from his extended Heidt family, the Berkeley YMCA family and many close neighbors and friends.
Special gratitude to Joseph Andres and Vincent Felias his devoted caregivers during his last year at home. To Bethany Homes of Concord for their loving care during the past few months and to Ace Hospice of Orinda for their graceful guidance and who gave David peace and dignity during his final days.
A Celebration of David's Life will be held on Aug 18 at 2:00 pm at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. Fr. George Crespin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Berkeley YMCA Healthy Heart Program or Disabled Veterans.
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