_{Frederick "Fred" Knutzen passed away at his home in Big Lake, WA, on July 26, after a brief battle with Esophageal Cancer.  He was born on October 23, 1942, to Earl and Alice Knutzen.  After graduating from Lynden High School (1962), Fred joined the Navy where he served on the USS Hornet. He later got his private pilot's license through the GI Bill.  He became a logger by trade and was working in the woods right up until he became ill.  Flying was one of his passions and he taught many to fly over the years and operated an air taxi service and a flight school.}

_{He was a long-time Big Lake resident where he met and married Laura Imhof and had two children - Jill and Dezirae. Fred spent his life doing what he loved: spotting fish in Alaska, driving his '68 Mercury, crabbing by floatplane, riding his Cushman scooter, and driving the boat.  He also loved spending time with his "grandchildren" Kaitlin, Sidnee, and Michael and sitting at the lake or around the firepit telling stories with family and friends.  All were always welcome at his home.}

_{Fred had a fierce love of life, always looking for the next adventure – he lived all nine lives.  An avid reader and news watcher, he was curious about the world and loved hearing about everyone's latest endeavors.  He was a true optimistic and saw the best in everyone, often reminding us to "always make your own sunshine" or "have as much fun as you can".}

_{He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Darrell, sisters Virginia and Linda, brother-in-law Mike Seehorn, and niece Leanna.  Fred is survived by his wife Laura, daughters Jill and Dezirae (Geoff), brothers-in-law Clay Imhof and Sam Imhof, sisters-in-law Kathy Seehorn and Lenda Schacht (Dave), nephews Bill (Sandy) Knutzen, Will Kester, and Xander Imhof, nieces Daleen (Rick) Weidkamp, Roxanne (Wayne) Hancock, Melanie (Matt) Rave, and Jezzy Lynn Imhof, and many beloved cousins, great nieces/nephews, and family friends.}

_{A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 pm, Saturday, August 4th at 17595 West Big Lake Blvd, Mount Vernon, 98274. In true Fred style, wear your best plaid or hickory shirt! If anyone wishes to donate in his memory, please give to Hospice or the Big Lake Fire Department.}