If you knew Pat Knee, then you knew a character. Pat passed into his Saviors arms surrounded by family and friends on November 15. His two-year battle with cancer did not defeat him he asked Jesus to walk with him to his Heavenly Father.

Pat was born in Cascade Idaho on May 12, 1949, to Ernie and Rosa Knee. His early life in Cascade instilled a love of nature as he explored the forest and waters of Cascade. His love of the outdoors grew even more as his Dad moved the family to the Lake Lowell area of Caldwell. The open fields and Owyhee Mountains called to him "Bring your gun, Bring your fishing pole". Of course this couldn't be all he did. School was always on the docket. Pat attended Vallivue High School and then later TVCC and Boise State.

He would freely admit he wasn't a great student, but he loved playing football, wrestling and track. In college Rodeo became his passion and he rode bulls, actually he would say fell off bulls. He thought since he was so good at falling off bulls then maybe he could fall off a horse and do a bit of bull dogging.

Through the years at school Pat had his biggest fan with him Patricia Gusman. His High School sweetheart became the love of his life for fifty-five years of marriage. Actually, most of us wondered how Gus, her nick name given to her to avoid the confusion of Pat and Pat, stayed with him. But the answer is simple, Love conquers all.

Gus blessed Pat with his greatest gifts Jodi and Robyn who in turn blessed Pat even more by giving him Owen, Jonah, Liza and Lauryn. No words spoken or written could express the deep love he held for his family, especially his grandchildren.

Pat was surprised like most of us when he received his Elementary Education degree from Boise State. He decided to give teaching a fling and ended up teaching for thirty-five years in the Vallivue and Middleton School Districts. His former students, fellow teachers and parents will tell you he was more than good at teaching, he was great. He had a unique talent for teaching with tough love but delivered with great kindness. All levels of his students thrived. At one point the Idaho State Dept. of Education came to him and asked how he brought his students up to grade level and beyond. He just smiled at them and said, "No technology just old school methods, flash cards and tough love."

Pat easily made friends which made his brothers wonder if he knew everyone. He held his friendships very close. So many that we hesitate to mention them with fear of leaving one out. But in the days to come these friends will reveal themselves as they tell Pat Knee stories. Yes, as Pat would, the stories will be stretched a bit.

The last two years were hard, sincere thanks and love to John and Linda, Lynn and Colleen, David, Tom, Les, SueZ and his best friend who he considered a brother Terry. We can't say enough about Cheryl Knox and what she did not only for Pat but for all of us. Her medical knowledge and compassion was unmatched.

Pat is survived by his wife Pat. Daughter and Husband Jodi and Brody Engles. Daughter and Husband Robyn and Ryan Higgins. Grandchildren Owen, Jonah, Liza, Lauryn. Brothers and wives Mike and Kathy Knee, Kelly and Karen Knee, Terry and Kim Torrence, Sister-in-Law Deanna and husband Frank Morrison and a slew of nieces nephews and cousins.

As Pat walked with Jesus to the great glory of Heaven, I'm sure the footprints of his dogs could be seen following him to the Gate. A special thank you to his brother Kelly for many things but especially for taking Pat's last four-legged best friend, Maddy to live out her final days.

A service will be held at Lutheran Brethren Church at 2:00pm December 12. 730 W Roosevelt Ave Nampa.

If you choose, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Brethren Church would be greatly appreciated.