Donald Thomas Knowles

Tommy was born on July 15, 1942 in Walla Walla, Washington and died May 4, 2018 in Wenatchee, Washington.  He is survived by his sister Karen Collins, brothers William Knowles and his wife Sally Jones, David Knowles and his wife Patti Knowles. Immediate extended family include Michael Hickey, Sean Hickey, Kevin Hickey and wife Jodi, Eric Knowles and his wife Maggie, Brady Knowles and his wife Ileana, Lee Knowles and his wife Leticia, Kelly Knowles and his wife Brooke, Michelle Mostoller, and cousins Mike, Richard and Ted Davis.

Tommy's father, Donald, was in the service, so his family moved often. Ultimately though, he spent 30 years in the Ballard area of Seattle living with his parents and working for Northwest Center. After his father died, Tommy became the man of the house. He enjoyed doing his daily chores and taking care of his mom. They had a nightly ritual of watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was an avid bowler for many years, as well as a devoted member of the Catholic Church.

After his mother's death, nearly two decades ago, Tommy retired from The Northwest Center after 39 years, and moved into a group home. To be closer to his sister Karen, Tommy ultimately moved to the Chelan area and entered Regency Manor Nursing Home. This was his home for seven plus years prior to his death. He loved the staff and his fellow residents as well as visitors from the community. Tommy's sister was able to visit Tommy several days a week.

Tommy was the most social member of his family. His days at his home were spent moving up and down the hallway socializing with all his friends and the staff. He became the heart of his community. When members of his family visited, his first questions were about the status of their family. What grade were the kids in, whose birthdays were near, and how each was doing in school. If a brother visited alone, his first question centered on why his spouse was not with him.

 Our brother was an extraordinary man. He helped center all of us.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Northwest Center. Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Catholic church in Chelan at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. A Reception will follow.

Please leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com. Arrangements by Rose Precht Chapel.