Richard Glenn Knorr

It’s with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of longtime Summerland resident Richard (Dick) Knorr on April 13, 2022.

Dick passed away peacefully at the age of 76 after a brief battle with cancer with his wife Harlene and daughter Renae by his side.

Dick leaves behind his wife Harlene; daughter Renae (Greg) Gartrell of Kamloops; son Rick Knorr of Penticton; stepson Dean Jones of Penticton; sister Gaye (Albert) Morrissette, brother Tony (Anna) Knorr, sister Linda Van Dyke (Ken Hazard) all of Kamloops; brother-in-law Harvey (Donna) Nelson of Kamloops; as well as 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was predeceased by his first wife Eleanor in 1989; his Mom, Marie in 1996; and his Dad, Dick Sr. in 2012.

Dick had many passions (after Harlene), the first being his love for “Stanley” his 1937 Ford that he built and they drove regularly for many years including travelling across Canada and throughout the States with the matching Boler trailer in tow. Dick’s passion for classic and vintage vehicles lead him to being a founding member of the Okanagan Rodtiques Car Club in 1978 and where he always enjoyed the company and comradery of many old and new friends he made over the years. Of particular importance were his beloved group’s regular coffee gatherings and weekly “Safety Meetings” where the majority of the world’s problems were solved. Dick was also very involved as President of CanWest Inliners International and enjoyed attending the various conferences held across the states.

In his earlier years, Dick could be seen drag racing at NHRA sanctioned ¼ Mile events in the Pacific Northwest. Later on, Dick was very proud of his group’s newest venture with the Black Opel Racing Team who over the years were able to capture the World Land Speed Record for their class in 2012 at Bonneville Salt Flats.

Dick was involved in many sports and he particularly enjoyed his time earlier on playing with the OK Tel fastball team, then later on with the Summerland Culls Hockey team followed by the “Griswald Open” family golf event to name a few.

When Dick wasn’t playing or watching sports, he was very involved in all aspects of his children's activities such as coaching, set builder, and light show expert over the years. Dick was a member of the Penticton Royal Air Cadets Squadron for many years working his way up to Squadron Leader. In addition to this, Dick loved being around family and friends or he could be found in his garage where he enjoyed working on all sorts of projects utilizing his extensive knowledge and innate ability to fix anything.

Dick’s career included working: for OK Tel; at Shaw Cable; as the owner of Water Pure and Simple; in home-based automotive repair; as a Glenfir Academy bus driver. Dick also enjoyed many years working with local MLA Dan Ashton.

 Dick will always be loved, forever missed, and remembered by all.

So until we meet again in that Big Drag Race in the Sky…..

Special thanks to Doctors Tom Irvine and Alistair Bannerman as well as the excellent team and their care for Dick at Moog and Friends Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Moog and Friends Hospice House in Penticton or the Canadian Cancer Society. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 28th, 2022, at Dirty Laundry Winery. Please drop in between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and lift a glass in Dicks memory.