Donald Kniley

Birth & Death / Education
Donald John Taylor Kniley, Jr., 82, of Woodland, Washington, passed beyond this world into his eternal home on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, following many months of compassionate care from his family.
Born October 2, 1938, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to Donald John Taylor (Sr.) and Mary (Ross) Kniley, Don graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1956 and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On April 21, 1962, Don married and later shared 49 years with his sweetheart, Carol Louise Motsay, lovingly devoting himself to supporting her through an illness that ended her life early.
Childhood
Don’s early childhood and teenage years included involvement in school athletics (racing, rope climbing, swimming), Boy Scouts through the culmination of his Eagle Badge, and early morning newspaper delivery jobs to assist his mother following World War II. During Don’s teenage years, he suffered the tragic loss of his beloved father at the age of fifteen, an experience which would grip him for the rest of his life, for he had held his father’s head on his own lap during those final moments. A central part of his life abruptly torn from him, Don lived many of his years into adulthood longing for something to heal the hollow void left inside which had been the relationship between a father and his son. At the age of 34, Don would find his Abba Father through Christ Jesus, who would Himself bring healing to that emptiness.
Love
Although college studies and his own ongoing inner speculation of his future career inundated him during his early adult years, there was an ever-present peripheral love of music and dancing, which is precisely how he met his sweetheart! Don volunteered for the lead role in organizing a ‘Big Band’ swing dance event at his all-male college, and the Beaver College girls were warmly invited. We will never know why our intelligent, bookworm mother agreed to attend that single dance party, for she neither liked to dance, nor ever left her studies for diversions. Smitten by his blue eyes, jet black hair, and gentle, respectful manner, their love would only grow and bloom into a faithful marriage which would endure for nearly five decades.
Employment
Don’s childhood dream to escape the urban life of subways and smog became a reality when he accepted a position as Civil Engineer for North American Aviation / Rockwell International – Rocketdyne Division following college and moved West to California, where he started his family. Later living among the mighty cedars and rushing river life of the McKenzie Valley in Oregon, Don became a small business owner in the rural town of Blue River. Don’s diverse employment in the region included service as technician with the Blue River Water District, environmental specialist with H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, machine shop operator at the Tokatee Golf Course, assistant-teacher to elementary students and after-school counsel to teenage delinquents at the McKenzie School District, and over a decade and a half in leadership as Project Manager of Maintenance Engineering within the same district.
Philanthropy / Service to Others
At the age of 51, Don miraculously survived a severe heart attack and subsequent 5-bypass heart surgery. Although medical professionals prognosticated a remaining life of no greater than ten years, Don’s unflappable service and devotion toward his family, church, and community continued by God’s grace for greater than 30 additional years.
Don’s passion for people always superseded that of his financial aspirations. He often perceived what was beyond the appearance or present condition of others, his interactions commonly seasoned with grace, respect, and kindness extended from his heart. Don served in numerous adult Bible teaching roles within his church, but unreservedly relished working with the youth in roles which included teaching, drama (Oh! What costumed drama!), and music team. Don volunteered his time as a guest speaker to high school students in providing an alternative view from traditional evolutionary theory, and in so doing, developed and constructed his own wooden models with which to provide visuals for his lecture.
Despite his financial challenges living in a rural community with limited resources, there was never a question as to his decision should someone need a 400-mile ride across two state lines to return home because their car had broken down. As his children, it was commonplace for us to observe his decisions to give away a family vehicle to someone who exhibited a need greater than our own, to drive in the middle of the night to care for the children of an inmate during a time of crisis, or to kneel in prayer beside an addict needing support to carry on. It was a joy to watch as our father developed ingenious, innovative methods to upscale and upcycle items in life whenever possible, yet always managed to find a means by which to share his finances in protecting the life of the unborn and in upholding the United States Constitution.
Artistry
Don’s naturally artistic flair would not be dampened by a lack of formal music lessons, for he simply self-taught, ringing the halls of heaven with his harmonica and singing from the depths of his soul. Some of Don’s final audible words were those whispered from a song of faith he had cherished and memorized, his eyebrows rising and falling in earnest as his lips revived the timeworn chorus.
Living Faith
Don lived a faith that was neither confined to the words on a tattered page, nor relegated to the perimeter of a wooden edifice. His was a faith of action, one of relentless service to others, one of faithful perseverance, one of trust in his Maker as his earthly body continued to weaken in his later years from a debilitating, hereditary disease.
Despite our deepest sorrow and brokenness that he is no longer with us, it is our desire to celebrate a long, rich life of beauty. A life afflicted with unmistakable tragedy, and yet graced with unspeakable joys… A life of regrets, and yet a life of forgiveness… A life of earnest pursuit for what truly matters most… A no-turning-back life. A life of excellence. We welcome you to share in our celebration of our precious father.
Expression of Appreciation
Don’s immediate family wishes to express deep and heartfelt appreciation for the intelligent, compassionate staff with the Community Home Health and Hospice team, as well as the diligent efforts of the medical staff at the Woodland Assisted Living Center who served alongside his family in seeking to make Don’s physical burden in the past several months lighter for him to bear.
His Legacy Continues
“Poppi” will live forever within the hearts of his family, those who will carry onward his legacy of a life well-lived with faith, sacrifice, and excellence. Don is survived by his dear sister, Mary George of Douglassville, Pennsylvania; and his four blessed children: D. John T. Kniley III (Charlotte) of Ashburn, Virginia; Juliet Kniley of San Francisco, California; Karina (Phillip) Thompson of Woodland, Washington; and Lara (Evgeny) Shekhtman of Hillsboro, Oregon. Eleven grandchildren join in furthering his powerful heritage: Alexa Kniley, Nicolette (Kniley) Oka, Justin Kniley, Gillian Kniley, Andrew Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Gaven Thompson, Gielliesse Thompson, Yanna Shekhtman, Avital Shekhtman, and Moshe Shekhtman. Don is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Carol Motsay Kniley (2011).
Invitation to Share
A private, family memorial service will be held to celebrate his life of tremendous love and lasting impact. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to encourage support of one of Don’s favorite organizations: 360 Women’s Clinic (Vancouver, Washington) for donations toward the purchase of ultrasound equipment on behalf of the precious unborn.
(Obituary prepared by Karina Kniley Thompson, Daughter)