Barry Knott

Surrounded by his loving family, Robert “Barry” Knott passed away on May 31st, 2013 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

Barry Knott was born on July 30th, 1946 and grew up in Seattle graduating from Blanchet High School in 1964. It was in high school that Barry developed his passions for English literature and wrestling. These passions would grow over time and significantly influence Barry’s life.

In 1968, Barry earned his teaching credentials and graduated from Seattle University. Upon graduation from SU, he taught high school English literature and served as an inspirational coach to many wrestling teams. The majority of Barry’s 34 year teaching and coaching career was spent at Nathan Hale and Lake Washington High Schools. In 1990 while at Nathan Hale, Barry was recognized as Wrestling Coach of the Decade, 1980 – 1990.

Barry retired from teaching in 2003 and in 2007, he and his wife Jeanne moved to Arlington, Washington where he continued to mentor and coach wrestling teams at Arlington High School.

In addition to wrestling and teaching, Barry was an avid singer and lover of music. For over 25 years, he was an influential member of Northwest Sound Men’s Chorus which is the Bellevue chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He loved joining his barbershop brothers “in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through song.” He sang with many quartets and travelled to judge barbershop competitions. Barry was also active in many church choirs over the years.

Barry will be deeply missed by Jeanne, his wife of 29 years; his sister Patricia Druxman (Pat); daughters Maggie and Elizabeth Knott and Suzanne Estep (Melissa Sackett); countless members of the extended family, friends, colleagues, students, wrestlers and singers. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Thelma Knott and his brother William “Gordon” Knott.

A Funeral Rosary Vigil will be held on Friday evening June 7th, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arlington Washington. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10.00 a.m. Saturday, June 8th also at Immaculate Conception. The Church is located at 1200 East Fifth Street, Arlington.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Harmony Explosion, a vocal performance camp for youth or the Immaculate Conception Debt Reduction Fund or a charity of choice.