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William Knapton passed away early on the morning of Dec. 17, 2016, at Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence, Oregon.

Bill was born March 19, 1951.

Bill spent considerable time traveling, doing construction work and visiting friends. Bill had amazing mechanical and woodworking skills just as his father did, and was frequently working with his hands. He also seemed to love to play and party, and was never without a joke of questionable appropriateness and a warm laugh. Bill loved to share the tale of how he landed a job, stating that he met with the proprietor, provided his qualifications, stated that “A farting horse will never tire, a farting man is the one to hire,” followed by audibly releasing gas, and was hired on the spot.

Bill served our country by enlisting in the Army and heading to Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic where he served between 1969 and 1971. He was often brutally honest, not withholding his beliefs and values, but rarely shared his military experiences.

Bill loved the water ... boats, swimming, snorkeling and even scuba diving. Though he was born in the far inland mountain town of Whitefish, he often found recreation on or in the water. He finally settled in on the coast in Florence where he could walk the beach every day, visit his parents and never be too far away from the water.

Bill’s passing was preceded by his parents, Marvin and Irene Knapton of Florence, and sister Patty Sanderson of Kalispell.

He is survived by his sisters, Jean Sedivy of Columbia Falls, and Mary Knapton of Everett, Washington; and sons, Travis of Havre, and Brandon of Kooskia, Idaho. Bill was the grandfather of 13, and great-grandfather of two.

Condolences may be sent to 223 Blue Bird Dr., Kooskia, ID 83539.

No services will be held, but interment will be planned for late spring.