Richard David Knowles

He was born Jan. 18, 1930, in Gowanda, N.Y., the son of the late Coyle E. and Rae B. (Strauss) Knowles.

Dick was a 1948 graduate of Nichols School in Buffalo. He received a civil engineering degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Several of his children and grandchildren followed in his footsteps, attending the University of Iowa and/or becoming engineers. Dick joined the Army Corp. of Engineers where he proudly served his country from 1953-55 building air strips in Korea and Japan, reaching the rank of first lieutenant.

After his military service he worked as a civil engineer and contractor as the owner of Terra Marine Dredging in Gowanda, N.Y. One of his local projects was installing the sewer line around the north end of Chautauqua Lake.

Dick lived an adventurous life that included building an Eco Tourism and Sport Fishing Lodge/,Business in a remote area of Cost Rica. He also designed and built four of the homes he and his family lived in.

He was an active member of the Christian Science Church and the Masons. He enjoyed wood carving, drawing, golf, Westerns, and spending time with his family. Dick taught many of his grandchildren wood carving and was also a Sunday school teacher.

He is survived by one brother; “Rick” Coyle E. Knowles Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.; his loving wife, Jacqueline (Duke) Knowles, whom he was married to for 46 years; nine children: Lindsey (Barry) Knowles Abrahams, Jody (Mike) Knowles Coulston, Amy (John) Knowles McCall, Bill (Julie) Hirschman, Carol (Vinny) Hirschman Majchrzak, Scot (Kate) Hirschman, Brad (Sherry) Hirschman, Kurt (Cindy) Hirschman and Mary (Phil) Hirschman Smith; 27 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie (Reineman) Knowles,; and a son-in-law; Robert Knowles-Jackman.

A celebration of his Life will occur next July.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com