Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Ross Maxwell Knechtel
1940 - 2022
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Laura McDowell pledged to donate to The Hospital for Sick Children
Friday, November 4, 2022
Thoughts and prayers to the family at this sad time.
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John Knechtel uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 23, 2022
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Ross was a devoted loving husband to his high school sweetheart Ruthe for 61 years and whenever I look at their wedding photos I wonder how it was legal for 2 people so young to marry. They were soul mates and it was evident to everyone that met them.
Ross was an amazing Dad who gave Peter, Janet and I, a love of art, music, the outdoors, cars and the support to do whatever it was that we loved. Ross was incredibly creative in everything he did and if you ever dropped into our house you got to experience his creativity – from built in desks in the bedrooms, home-made yogurt makers, his music room that was hollowed out under the front porch, or my bed that was hung from the ceiling so that we could fit a drum kit underneath. And if you lived at 256 Donlea Drive, you had your name and phone number on everything that left the house, and you received special training in the many ingenious uses for duct tape and bungie cords.
Ross was a loving and devoted grandfather who made each of his grand children feel very special. He’d make up songs with them, tell amazing stories, play with them, count his bottle cap collection or bring the stuffed animals to life with his stories. He loved them and he went out of his way to make sure they knew it.
Ross was an exemplary teacher who poured his creativity and energy into his classroom like few others. When one visited his Room 11 at Wilkinson Public School, Ross’s energy, creativity, and enthusiasm were on full display and it was very powerful stuff. I am sure the caretakers, went to his room every night cursing him. To the naked eye it looked a mess - there were no straight lines of desks, instead there were sand tables, story time carpets and ingenious solutions, and unique and effective approaches to teaching. He was a lifelong learner, teacher, supporter & advocate of education, and he left an indelible mark on others. I remember in high school people coming up to me when they realized I was Mr. K’s son, and they would tell me of the great experiences they had with Mr. K in Room 11.
Ross was a great neighbour, friend, and bandmate who was always there with a smile or a quirky observation or analogy. He would randomly talk to strangers anywhere anytime making an intro with some disarming, sometimes strange, random thought or observation. His neighbours would often find him on the front porch reading – sometimes in the middle of the night, and if the sun was out he’d be out there in the dead of winter enjoying the warm rays and getting inspired to do something, and he would always call out to them as they went about their business and put a smile, or a puzzled look, on their faces.
Ross was so much more than just these words, Ross will be missed by all those who he touched. Thank you to all those who have reached out offering their support and well wishes.
John.
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Soula and family lit a candle
Sunday, October 23, 2022
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Ruthe, Janet/Gord/ Emily &Brian & Hudson, Mark , Peter/Irene/Natalie &Cohen, John/Leasa/Emma&Claire and extended Knechtel family and friends. Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Ross. Our families were blessed to have been joined together by Peter & Irene's marriage that has led to years of family get togethers of celebrations of which we are so blessed to have had together.
We shall greatly miss Ross's banter and conversations and genuine kindness and love that he so greatly showed to his kids but so much for his grandkids and great grandson along with Ruthe. I shall always remember Ross nicking something off the table that he shouldn't be eating , hopefully not arousing suspicion, lol. May you rest in forever peace with no pain and may your memory be eternal. Will always raise a glass to you and your memory going forward in future gatherings as your forever remain in our family of love.
J
Julie Currie lit a candle
Saturday, October 22, 2022
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Peter and family I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mom and dad sitting on the front porch in the mornings and evenings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Julie Currie and family.
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bill and Ginny Bartle lit a candle
Saturday, October 22, 2022
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Ruthe and kids+: so sorry on the loss of Ross.
As neighbours for 47 yrs, we recognized his "quirky sense of humour and outgoing social nature" from the first day we met he and Ruthe. Over the yrs we often had visits on their front deck as it was always in the sun. In fact, if the sun was out, even in February, Ross would be sitting out there.
I inherited Ross's Globe and Mail carless paper route about 40 yrs ago so he and I were probably the oldest paper 'guys' in the city, certainly in Leaside
Ross would call my wife on March 11(his birthday) to wish her a Happy Birthday for the next day.
When we moved from directly across the street in June of this yr, Ross said to Ginny that " as far as he was concerned, 255 Donlea would always be the Bartle house".
It was a delight to have known Ross and the whole Knechtel family over these 40+ yrs.
Bill and Ginny Bartle
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Peter Knechtel posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, October 21, 2022
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Dad had a rough 2+ years being in and out of the hospital for various complications with a multitude of conditions and although he kept a positive light on everything, he was finally worn out in the end.
He was very grateful for all the love and support he continually received and he died peacefully with a full heart having lived a great life and surrounded by family.
Hard to put it all into a few words but he was the most devoted husband (of 61 years) and father and also a friend to many. Although his brother Steve was not close in proximity, I know they shared a special bond.
I believe I got my appreciation for the outdoors from Dad, his love for discovery, adventure and his deep love of art and music I believe I inherited from him.
His quirky sense of humour and many eccentricities that made him the very special guy he was, willl never ever be forgotten.
He is peaceful now and his many battles with his failing health are now over. He truly has had a good life worth celebrating.
Love you Dad, you will be missed dearly but your memory and legacy will live forever in our hearts.
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Michael Persaud and Joni Goodfield posted a condolence
Friday, October 21, 2022
My deepest condolences Peter Knechtel and Irene George and your entire family. It was great meeting your father when I was younger. That long drive to the R's and D's wedding is a cherished memory where your father was cool, calm, and collected. May he rest in peace. I never knew he was so talented and a multi-instrumentalist and played many instruments not to mention such a prolific educator. He had a full life with so many loving kids and grandkids. He will missed by everyone who knew him.
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Virginia Kostiuk lit a candle
Friday, October 21, 2022
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Thinking of you all at this sad time. I met your dad a couple of times over the years and I remember he was always smiling and quick with a funny observation or joke. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
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Leasa Knechtel uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 21, 2022
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My "dad" for close to 30 years! I will miss Ross's wit and creativity - the bottle cap collections in the kid's bathtub, Mr & Mrs Pig's Night Out Stories when he came over to babysit, and jury rigged EVERYTHING. Family dinners will never be the same without him joining me in the middle of the kitchen action to comment on my chopping skills or current events in the news. He has been a wonderful and caring friend, father, father-in-law and papa to our family and will be deeply missed. Love you Ross.
K
The family of Ross Maxwell Knechtel uploaded a photo
Friday, October 21, 2022
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