Bill entered this earth at 10lbs 1oz destined to be a great man. He graduated from Napa High School in 1964. His love of Corvettes brought him into the world of autocross, which he did for over 40 years. He loved sports and he loved coaching his sons in baseball. He worked as a union plumber, pipe fitter, and welder for over 35 years. He leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Jan. He also leaves behind 5 children: Sandy Carpenter (Mike), Tami Richardson, Dan Richardson (Lisa), Tom Knudsen (Lisa Chambers-Barstad), and Scott Knudsen (Danielle). He has 5 beautiful granddaughters whom he adored: Landon, Kalie, Kayden (Connor), Savannah, and Brooke. He was predeceased by his father and mother: Johan Knudsen and Lorena Knudsen. Also, his sister Ellie Coombs. He leaves behind his cousin Don White. He also leaves behind nephews and nieces whom he loved as his own. Bill passed away at the age of 72 peacefully at home in his own bed and surrounded by his loving family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, 2/22/2020 at 10:00am at The Father’s House in Napa, CA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Cancer Society or The Father’s House/Napa campus/Image.
My heart goes out to his family. Bill and I were best friends from the time we went to Shearer Elementary to fly league baseball to Kiwanis softball, thru Ridgeview then Napa High School. He was always a really good guy and will never leave my memory. Rest in peace my friend.
Another good friend dating back to Shearer School days. I got to know Bill in the 4th grade when I moved to Shearer. Always upbeat, friendly and a good hitting left-handed first baseman back then. We stood in line together and had a very good "catch-up" chat @ the 50th reunion & I'm so glad we did. Please keep in touch with your old friends everybody. It's important.
So very sad to hear of Bill's passing. We went all through Shearer School, Ridgeview and then Napa High together. He was always so friendly and had the nicest smile. My deepest condolences to Jan and the family, he will be missed by so many of us. Rest in Peace Bill.
Yesterday I had the honor of attending the memorial for our classmate Bill.....along with 200+ guests.
It was the most beautiful and loving that I have ever attended. All 3 of his children spoke of their Dad and also Jan's children and their grandchildren.
The video was so perfect and very emotional & all the pictures were shown with the very long version of "American Pie" so appripriate as it was his very faviortie song.
A delicuous luncheon and get together followed at our Napa Moose Lodge with a chance to visit with family and friends.
Thank you Jan and family for the loving afternoon.
Kenneth Harbison
My heart goes out to his family. Bill and I were best friends from the time we went to Shearer Elementary to fly league baseball to Kiwanis softball, thru Ridgeview then Napa High School. He was always a really good guy and will never leave my memory. Rest in peace my friend.
Bruce Erricson
Another good friend dating back to Shearer School days. I got to know Bill in the 4th grade when I moved to Shearer. Always upbeat, friendly and a good hitting left-handed first baseman back then. We stood in line together and had a very good "catch-up" chat @ the 50th reunion & I'm so glad we did. Please keep in touch with your old friends everybody. It's important.
Vicki Ichtertz (Snyder)
Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP, Bill.
Lora White (Muirhead)
So very sad to hear of Bill's passing. We went all through Shearer School, Ridgeview and then Napa High together. He was always so friendly and had the nicest smile. My deepest condolences to Jan and the family, he will be missed by so many of us. Rest in Peace Bill.
Bill Forsythe
I always liked seeing Bill. He was always friendly, always smiling and always liked cars, especially fast ones My prayers for his family.........
Marilyn Gushe (Budde)
Yesterday I had the honor of attending the memorial for our classmate Bill.....along with 200+ guests.
It was the most beautiful and loving that I have ever attended. All 3 of his children spoke of their Dad and also Jan's children and their grandchildren.
The video was so perfect and very emotional & all the pictures were shown with the very long version of "American Pie" so appripriate as it was his very faviortie song.
A delicuous luncheon and get together followed at our Napa Moose Lodge with a chance to visit with family and friends.
Thank you Jan and family for the loving afternoon.