Guy Knudsen

Guy Richard Knudsen of Moscow passed away on May 29th at his home in Moscow, Idaho. He was born on November 19, 1952 in Mineola, New York to Eloise Lippitt Carpenter and Richard Knudsen. While still a young child, the family moved to Norwich, Vermont where he graduated from Dartmouth High school. After serving in the Navy, he obtained his B.S. in Forestry from the University of New Hampshire in 1978. He received his master's degree and doctorate in Plant Pathology from Cornell University. He joined the faculty at the University of Idaho in 1987 in the Plant, Soils and Entomological Sciences Department where he remained as professor of microbial ecology and plant pathology until his death. He earned his J.D. from Taft's University and was a member of State Bar of California, and the Washington State Bar. His professional interests were wide and varied and at the time of his death, he was a member of the American Phytopathological Society, served on the board of directors for the Northwest Scientific Association, was a founder and board member of the non-profit Paloma Institute, and a member of the Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono & Public Service Committee. He was also affiliated with the Lawyers Earthquake Relief Network, Washington State Veterans Bar Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He served on numerous scientific review panels for the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Academy of Sciences. In his role as a scientist and teacher, he mentored many students including numerous graduate students who carry on his legacy throughout the world in the field of plant pathology and soil microbiology. He met his wife, Louise-Marie Dandurand, while attending the 'Soil Fungus Conference' in Boise, Idaho. They married in 1990 and had two children, Liam and Céline, who were Guy's favorite skiing, biking, and horseback riding partners. He instilled in both of his children his passion and concern for the wildlands of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to his scholarly activities and love of the outdoors, Guy was a locally renowned musician, and enjoyed composing music. He was heard at many local gatherings such as Rendezvous, HempFest, and the Farmer's Market and played in several bands, Bare Wires, Beggar's Alley, and the Phoenix 99 Blues Band. He is survived by his wife, Louise-Marie; his son Liam, his daughter Celine; his brother Scott, his mother Eloise Carpenter, his father-in-law Alexis, his sister-in-law Anne, his brothers-in-law Marc, Louis, and Eric. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard, his mother-in-law Jeannine, and his brother-in-law, Thomas. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for the support that they received during Guy's illness from the community, colleagues and friends. A private memorial gathering is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Clearwater http://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com