Michael Anthony Knaus CHARLOTTE - Michael A. Knaus, a resident of Charlotte, NC, since 2007, passed away suddenly and peacefully May 9, 2012, in California while traveling with his wife Dr. Cyndy King (Knaus). He was 55 years old. Mike was born in Niagara Falls, NY, November 22, 1956, to Elizabeth and Rudolph Knaus. Mike married Cynthia R. King on October 19, 1996. Throughout his career he worked as an entrepreneur, seminar leader, executive coach, advisor, consultant, counselor, mediator, change agent, project leader, team builder, trained market researcher, faculty teaching in MBA and MHA programs, and motivational speaker to all levels of management, business owners, professionals and students. Mike was Principal of his own consulting business. Despite that Mike had been ill for 4 years, he enjoyed the company of his 2 black lab dogs (Shadow and Samantha). Mike was traveling with Cyndy when he unexpectedly died on May 9, 2012. Mike is survived by his wife, Dr. Cyndy King (Knaus) of Charlotte, NC, and her mother (Martha King), 3 siblings, 6 nieces and nephews, 1 grandnephew, and 1 grandniece. He is also survived by his father, Rudolph Knaus (Emily), brother, Christopher Knaus (Mickey), and Haley and Kaitlin Knaus and many friends. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at the Belk Chapel at Queens University on Selwyn Avenue (Charlotte, NC) on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers Cyndy requests donations be made to the Michael A. Knaus Fund, Carolinas Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232 or a charity of your choice . The special needs fund in Mike's name was his dream and will help support the care of individuals with immunodeficiency disorders.