Michael Knapp, 74, of Aspen, CO, passed away November 29, 2016, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs with his family at his side.
Mike was born October 2, 1942, in Plymouth, MI, to Sanford and Mary Knapp. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Michigan Law School, he was an accomplished attorney and businessman in Grand Rapids, MI. Mike was co-owner of the Grand Rapids Owls, a minor league professional hockey team. Later in life, Mike became a ski instructor in Aspen, CO, where he taught at Buttermilk Mountain and was a member of the Aspen A’s. Mike was a co-founder of Warm Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that has drilled 265 water wells and opened primary schools in Malawi and Kenya, and the Warm Hearts House in Kenya. His involvement with the children from Warm Hearts brought him immeasurable joy. He also wrote a novel, Buying the Farm.
Michael is survived by his wife Jeannine Kadow; son Michael Knapp, Jr.; daughter Heather (Tim) Werkema; grandchildren Lyndsay, Sam and Allison Werkema; brother Robert (Linda) Knapp; nephews John Knapp and Adam (Sheree) Knapp; and Aunt Irene Curmi.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to Warm Hearts Foundation, c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 888634, Grand Rapids, MI 49588.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Aspen, CO, at Hotel Jerome, Wheeler Room on December 16, at 4 p.m., and also in Grand Rapids, MI, at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, on December 9, at 4 p.m.