Darwin Henry Knapp, Jr

Darwin H Knapp, Jr., "Skip", 89, of Albuquerque, NM, formerly of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM.
Skip was born in Niagara Falls, NY. Upon graduation from Kenmore West High School, he proudly served his country in the US Army, attended Valparaiso University and graduated from Canisius College (NY), with a degree in Business Management.
Married to the love of his life Gerri for 55 years, they raised two sons who survive him, Chris (Traci) and Scott Knapp. Gerri preceded him in death along with stepsons, Bob, Ron, and Mike Jenkins. He is also survived by his brother, David (Renee) Knapp; stepson, Jeff Knapp, 20 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Skip worked in outside industrial sales for many years and retired from Discover Card Services as a Senior Account Executive in Mesa, AZ. After retirement he and Gerri settled down in Moriarty, NM before moving to Albuquerque after Gerri's passing. During his long career he was able to visit all 50 states for business or during a family vacation.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing Crystal Lake and many lakes in Wisconsin. He especially enjoyed the many trips to the Caribbean with Gerri where they enjoyed fishing, golf, fine dining, and just relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a cheap hot dog.

Skip loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He spent many hours tossing the ball with his sons as they grew up. Despite a demanding travel schedule, he never missed a single athletic event that his sons participated in from junior high through high school. He was an assistant coach with Franks Hobby Shop in the Continental Little League, and served as Vice President, then President of the Babe Ruth League in Crystal Lake, IL.
After retiring he and Gerri became deeply involved in the youth rodeo circuit as two of his grandchildren participated in barrel racing and bull riding. They spent hundreds of hours traveling many miles across the southwest supporting them and made many friends within the rodeo family. They often hosted many rodeo participants for breakfast, lunch or dinner when the rodeo was in Albuquerque. Grandpa's scrambled eggs became famous among the young cowboys. They felt the rodeo family helped keep them young and involved just as they had been with their own sons.

Skip, always quick with a joke to bring a smile, loved learning about others and 'their story'. No one was ever a stranger to him. He leaves behind a legacy of mentoring and helping so many young people as they sought to find their own way in the world. He was very giving with his time and was deeply loved and respected by many. He will be terribly missed.

Cremation has taken place and FRENCH - Wyoming is handling the arrangements. The family would like to thank Morada Senior Living and Presbyterian Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion given to Skip over the past few months.