Bernie passed peacefully from dementia at Flourish Home Residential Care, Carrollton, TX on May 31st, 2023. He emigrated from Switzerland to the U.S. with his family at the age of 3, having been born after his family escaped Germany in the middle of the night, for fear of reprisal for his father Otto's underground newspaper writings opposing Hitler's regime. Parents, Otto Michael Knab and Judith Knab, who resided in Portland, OR for many years, pre-deceased him, as did his wife of 37 years, Terry DiBella-Knab, who passed in 2022. His first wife, Sharon Mathers (nee White), passed in 2003, and older brother, Klaus Knab (Linda), passed in 2013. He is survived by his older sister, Judy Randol (George who's deceased), Visalia, CA; his younger brother, Christopher Knab (Sue), Seattle, WA; and his children, Christopher Knab (Rosemarie), Sparks, NV; Lisa Smith (Douglas), Florence, OR; Dwight Mathers (Julianna), Lewisville, TX; grandchildren, Anna and Luke; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was a man of humor, integrity, honesty, and humility.
He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Portland State College (later University) in 1965 and his Master of Arts in English from Washington State University. For his Master's Thesis, he translated his father, Otto Michael Knab's 1936 "Deutch Briefs" into the book, "Fox Fables" in 1966, along with illustrations from his long-time friend, artist Jim Brunsman, which provided American readers with a satirical, grimly humorous, thought-provoking, and unique account of Hitler's assault upon the German consciousness and upon the Christian philosophy of life. He spent most of his professional life as a College Professor starting in Montana, then moving to New York (Paul Smith's College), Connecticut (Greater Hartford Community College), and in California, spearheading Aetna's newly formed Education Institutes' media productions.
A voracious reader of books, an author, a college professor and administrator, and an avid lover of Jazz - Bernie was a bright spot to all who knew him, and the consummate host to friends and family. His kindness, hospitality, zest for life, and delightful wit are traits for which he will be remembered. The final 13 years of his Professional career he was the Director of Humanities and Communications at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR, until his retirement in 2001. He was instrumental in the design and approval of the campus auditorium where he produced and hosted approximately 70 jazz concerts, presented both at the college and at Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, OR). A plaque in his honor states, "This auditorium would not exist without the vision, commitment and enthusiasm of Bernie Knab. This is Bernie's Place."
In retirement, Bernie enjoyed spending more time taking long walks with the family dog "Charlie," frequenting local Portland Jazz Clubs, traveling to visit family and friends, near and far, camping in the Oregon wilderness, and of course, numerous travels to the beautiful Oregon Coast. He spent the last 6-7 years of his life bravely battling dementia. Over the last year, with help from family and friends, he was moved to Texas, to be cared for by his son Dwight and his family, where he resided and was cared for at The Villagio at Carrollton Assisted Living & Memory Care, and in the last week of his life, at Flourish Home Residential Care, Carrollton, TX. We extend our gratitude, for all who knew and cared for him during this time, especially the staff at both facilities in Carrollton, CarePlus Hospice, and to brothers, Chris and Dwight, sister Lisa, their step-sister Kellie, and their families, for all they have done over the last several years to help Bernie and Terry, in Oregon and Texas. Our families intend to hold a Memorial gathering in Oregon in the future and will share details via social media when they are available.