Kenneth Gene Knaak, 58

Kenneth Gene Knaak, 58, of Chico passed away on Jan. 30, 2010 in his home.

He was born Feb. 8, 1951, to Otto and Ruth Knaak and was raised in Quincy. He graduated from QHS in 1969.

Ken served in the Air Guard Reserve in 1971.

He loved the outdoors and spent most of his time there. He had a very successful career in the logging industry for 22 seasons as a heavy equipment operator transporting logs from the forest to the trucks and was well respected for his many years of safe operating without injury to fellow workers or equipment. He worked with his father in the construction of the Louisiana Pacific Lumber mill. He also assisted his dad in building a four-bedroom 2-car garage home.

He was very talented and skilled in mechanics. He enjoyed working on cars, trucks and anything that had a motor. He had extensive experience in auto and motorcycle repair. As a youngster he built a go-cart out of his red wagon, complete with lawn mower engine and later on built his own dune buggy. He had lots of friends who he shared his talents with to fix their cars or help them build their own dune buggy and anything that was broken.

Ken enjoyed people, loved a good laugh and was well liked everywhere he went. His laugh was infectious and brought people together. His family and friends were dear to his heart.

The family suggests any remembrances in Ken's memory be made to Wells Ministry of Rescue, 2612 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95973.