Kerry Louis Knockleby

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Kerry Louis Knockleby of Bashaw, Alberta. Kerry passed on November 11th, 2022, at the age of 69. Kerry leaves behind his wife, Wendy, and children Kristi (Deepak), Jesse (Marcia) and Kerry Irene (Jason). He was a grandfather to ten grandchildren: Spencer, Gavin, and Symon Tapp; Taran Narayanasamy; Wyatt, Everett, Corbin, and Natalie Knockleby; Ashlyn and Isla Bostick.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank George Knockleby and his mother, Shirley Mae Knockleby and two brothers, Donnie and Gary West. Number six of eight boys, Kerry spent a happy youth surrounded by brothers on their farm just east of Bashaw. He shared a close bond with his family and, along with his other brothers, Terrance, Glenn, Lloyd, Randy, and Darryl, made Bashaw a livelier place. The brothers enjoyed a lifelong friendship.

As a young adult, Kerry completed his carpentry ticket. A jack of all trades, he could fix anything and loved to tinker. Kerry also appreciated the beauty of the natural world and was known for rescuing old beehives and collecting rocks. All things were treasures to him, and he always found creative ways to reuse and renew what he had at hand.

In 1976, Kerry and Wendy began to build a life and family together. By 1983 they bought their acreage, Sittingstone Estate. Deeply rooted in Bashaw, he held many positions within the community, where he was loved for his sparkling sense of humour. He worked as the Town Foreman, the Bashaw Arena Custodian, and as the head of maintenance at the Bashaw Community Health Centre, Bashaw Valley Lodge, and Bashaw Meadows.

A natural social butterfly, he created a home for many friends in his “Halfway House.” He was kind, welcoming and eager to spread joy through his love of puns and jokes. His big heart caused him to have a consistent flow of friends, holding court until the wee hours, solving the world’s problems. He had many a friend, niece, and nephew whom he loved like his own children.

Well known for his impressive moves, he would throw it down on the dance floor with his famous “Knockleby shuffle.” He used his love of music to teach his kids to two-step and was fearless when he saw a group of ladies dancing on their own.

Kerry shared a love of sports with his family. Throughout his life, he found joy in many different activities, including perfecting his “Knockleby Knuckleball” in slow pitch, golfing, curling, and showing off that unique wiggle while playing bunnock. More recently, he found peace on the water with a fishing rod in hand.

His big heart felt deeply, and his mental and physical health struggled under that weight at times. Despite his struggles, he loved his family and friends, had compassion for others, was always rooting for the underdog and kept his sense of humour until the end. Right now, he’s fishing somewhere, he has a beer and a smoke, he’s with a good friend, and his waters are calm. He is in a happier place.

A celebration of life will be held in Bashaw in July.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose Foundation would be appreciated.