Donald Farquhar Knapp

In Loving Memory of Donald Farquhar Knapp

Donald “Don” Farquhar Knapp, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington at the age of 92, surrounded by close family.

A Los Angeles native born on March 13, 1934, to Lewis and Ruth Lillian Farquhar Knapp, he devoted many decades to a life shaped by the places he explored, the relationships he cultivated, and the knowledge he pursued. He leaves behind an enduring legacy carried forward in the communities he strengthened and in the stories that continue to be shared.

Don earned a B.A. in art from UCLA and MA in public administration from the University of Minnesota. He often recalled his time at UCLA with a smile, especially the experience of walking onto the UCLA men’s basketball team under legendary coach John Wooden.

Soon after graduation, Don embarked on a journey that took him across the country and around the world. He co-coordinated and led a group of international students on a 12,000 mile “Ambassadors for Friendship” goodwill tour around the United States. Not long after that, he led a team of 20 U. S. and African student volunteers that built a seven-room school in an Ethiopian village.

Don’s professional career took him to several cities where he held many unique jobs. He started work in New York City (Reporter, Advertising Age Magazine), moved to Middletown, Connecticut (Director, Wesleyan University) then to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota (Director, Macalester College) and finally to Wabash, Indiana where he spent 25 years as Executive Director of The Honeywell Foundation.

It was in Wabash where he established his roots and dedicated himself to his work at The Honeywell Foundation and to the broader downtown community. His passion was always two-fold: urban planning and downtown revitalization. Near the end of his career, he had the opportunity to spearhead the expansion of the Honeywell Center, a milestone that stood as one of the most meaningful and defining achievements of his professional life.

Don is survived by his son Aaron, his daughter-in-law Janice and his two grandchildren Christian and Caleb. He is preceded in death by his ex-wife Anne, his son Justin and his brother Robert.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.