Columbia Gorge loses pillar of fire community

In addition to being an EMT, he became the first-ever fire chief of Wahkiacus shortly after a nearby fire had limited equipment available to fight it. As a result, Knowland, along with fellow Wahkiacus residents, formed their own fire district.

Despite being one of the least-funded departments in Washington State, he and others spent volunteer hours building the initial fire hall, and then applying for grants to build out serviceable fire trucks.

Along with being a volunteer firefighter and long-time Boy Scout Leader, he also co-owned the Klickitat-based Big Dipper Highlands Ranch, which has been selling beef, pork, and lamb meat products since 2002, with his wife of 34 years, Darci.

Knowland’s love for his family (wife Darci; daughter Summer, 30; and son Mason, 28) and a fondness for the nearby plentiful wildlife are representative of his huge heart and enjoyment of living in Wahkiacus.

His standing in the community is marked by the many small and large kindnesses he gave to others. Once, when one of the Klickitat County Commissioner’s vehicle broke down on Highway 97 north of Goldendale, near St. John’s Monastery, she ended up walking home, and Knowland, who didn’t know her at the time, stopped and gave her a ride home.

Similarly, if anyone got stuck and called during the winter, he was the one who pulled them out of the ditch or plowed the roads so neighbors could get out following snowstorms. Knowland also put his creative art skills into good use, creating trophies for road race winners or sculptures for people who had lost their dogs as a way to memorialize their pets.

Whether fundraising for military veterans, or participating in the Run for the Wall motorcycle ride memorializing those who fell during the Vietnam War, Knowland put his country first. He often carried challenge coins representing the U.S., which he gave to military personnel he encountered to show them that they were appreciated as well as to welcome back returning service people.

A memorial is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Wahkiacus fire hall. A full obituary is available online HERE.