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Christopher McKnight,50, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away on Friday, March 22,2019. He was a loving husband, father and friend to all children entrusted with their care. Chris was born on February 15, 1969 in Tacoma, Washington to Dennis McKnight and Gloria Gurr. Growing up, Chris loved spending time playing football, camping, hunting and enjoying the outdoors with his gang of buddies (brother and sister) Rod and Lynette Follett; Larry (Rachel) Moreno; Glen (Laurie) Bates; Darrel (Theresa) Lembcke; Dan (Kristy) Beierman; Dave (Julie) Milbrandt; Terry (Nicole) Clemans; Kyle (Jessica) Aloysius; Roger (Nicole) Iverson; Jory Latimer; Shaun (Karen) Krantz; Will (Stacy) Mouat; and many, many others. He loved golfing, especially with his son Cameron and Grandpa Buck. He enjoyed snorkeling with his daughter Brooke. He coached football, baseball, fast-pitch and basketball over his career. Chris met the future love of his life, Melissa Hatch. in his freshman year at Ephrata High School. It wasn't necessarily love at first sight, but set the foundation for an eventual 20 plus year marriage. Chris received his Bachelor's Degree in Special Education at Washington State University and his Master's Degree from United States Sports Academy and his Principal Certification from Heritage College. He worked for 24 years in the field of education. Chris hardly ever met a child he didn't like and spent( his entire career helping children navigate during times of crisis or need. His ability to connect with kids was a gift and was able to help scores of kids that needed an empathetic ear, someone to talk to, of someone to give them a leg up in life. Chris dearly loved his children, Cameron and Brooke. He especially loved the fast paced camping trips with his kids and wife. A highlight of his life was purchasing Brooke's first horse, with her, at Safeway. Chris is survived by his wife Melissa; son Cameron; and daughter Brooke. He is also survived by his father Dennis (Georgia) McKnight; sisters Katie (Nick) Dire and Cindy Gurr; grandmother Shirley Nelson; aunt Cindy (Rick) Anderson; cousins Reid (Anessa) Anderson JJ Anderson; Grant Nelson; Natalie Nelson; many nieces and nephews; father- and mother-in-law Joe and Camilla Hatch and a host of Hatch patch in-laws. And chosen family Scott (Sam-Jane) Evens, Michael (Kylie) Evens, Brian (Cara) Evens, Marty Field, Cory Keller, Carlos Gill, Deno (Melissa) Wiebenga, and Daniel Stenbakken. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Gurr: and his grandfather, Buck Nelson. There will be Celebrations of Life in Warden, Quincy and possibly Ephrata to be determined at a later date, due to not having a venue large enough to accommodate everyone who has expressed to us that they want to attend his service. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, Wash.

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Christopher Todd McKnight

February 15, 1969 - March 22, 2019

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