Richard 'Rick' Alfred Knapp, Jr.

Obituary Richard Alfred Knapp, Jr. March 30, 1947-January 3, 2022 Rick Knapp died January 3, 2022 after a long struggle with cancer. Rick was born March 30, 1947 to Richard Alfred Knapp and Gloria Chase Knapp in San Fernando, California. He graduated from Pierce College, Los Angeles, with an electronics degree and worked in network communications and information technology for General Telephone of California (1968-76), and then for American Airlines and Sabre Group (1976-2002) in Los Angeles and Tulsa, OK. He moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 2004. Ever curious, Rick loved adventures, traveling and meeting people. He swam with sea turtles and manatees. He helped friends build a geodesic dome and zendo. He walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. He found great joy in his family and particularly his 5 grandchildren. Rick enjoyed music of many genres, photography, technological challenges, hiking and being in nature, art museums and gardens, theatre, philosophy and science. As a long-time student of Buddhism, Rick practiced mindfulness, compassion and kindness. He was a meditation leader and member of the board of BodhiMind Center, and a member of the Shining Mountain Sangha in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Wigington, Colorado Springs; son, Joe (Erica) Knapp, San Mateo, CA; daughter Ali (Paul) Hemmings, Novato, CA; daughter Kellyanne (Freddy) Cassell, Cupertino, CA; stepson Derek Hillman, Tulsa, OK; sister Candace (Jim) Rhone, Colorado Springs; sister, Kathy (Randy) Kenney-Haines, Ft. McDowell, AZ; half-sister, Lita Knapp, Sylmar, CA; half-sister Linde Knapp, Sylmar, CA; grandchildren, Tyler Hemmings, Aiden Hemmings, Sophia Knapp, Julien Knapp and Anna Cassell-Faulhaber; nieces and a nephew; and many friends who will miss his spirit, his big heart and engaging smile. The family suggests memorial contributions to BodhiMind Center, PO Box 444, Manitou Springs, CO 80829; www.bodhimindcenter.org or planting a tree. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Richard 'Rick' Alfred Knapp, Jr.