Wednesday, October 15, 2008

George Kneeland


Sun Valley pioneer George Kneeland passed away on Sunday, Oct. 5 in Las Vegas, Nev., at the age of 90. From his first visit to the Wood River Valley 60 years ago, George was an active participant in Wood River businesses and civic affairs.

George was born in Shelton, Wash., on May 28, 1918. He received a teaching degree from Central Washington College and then a law degree from the University of Washington. After serving as a Naval aviator in World War II, George practiced law in Seattle. His first visit to Sun Valley was a fishing trip in the fall of 1947. A few months later, he returned to ski and to build one of the first homes on the lake near Sun Valley Lodge. By 1950, George had become one of Sun Valley's first full-time residents.

The early years in Sun Valley provided George the opportunity to meet many people such as Averill Harriman, Ernest Hemingway and the Shah of Iran. He often spoke about the great mix of interesting people who gravitated to the area, and how wonderful it was that all types of people from all walks of life could get along so well. He was quoted many times as saying that one of the most unusual aspects of Sun Valley was that friendships were truly built around a person's passion, not their social status—if one loved to ski, fish or play golf, it did not matter whether a person was a CEO or a bartender.

Kneeland was one of the first three attorneys to practice in the Wood River Valley and was one of the first prosecuting attorneys. In his 60-year private practice he was honored to be partnered with attorneys like Stratton Laggis, Bruce Collier, Bob Korb and Ann Legg.

George's interests were diversified. His other businesses include being an original partner in what became Atkinsons' Market and building the Christiania Motor Lodge with partners Chuck Atkinson and Clarence Kilpatrick. Later on, he and Don Siegel built the Christiania Restaurant, which is now approaching its 50th anniversary. George became a regular at the "Christy," entertaining many well-known people at the large, round table centered in the dining room. The current proprietor is George's dear friend, avid skier and chef Michel Rudigoz.

George was an active member of the Republican Party in Idaho, a member of the Arid Club in Boise and served on the College of Southern Idaho Foundation Board with his longtime friend Bud Purdy. The two men advocated for and sponsored CSI's decision to expand its campus to Blaine County.

George was CEO and the major stockholder in Sun Valley Title Co. which has been managed for the past 28 years by President Cassie Jones.

George was instrumental in the founding of the Sun Valley Gallery Association, which helped Ketchum evolve into a center for art. In 1982, George and Diane opened the Kneeland Gallery, a gallery well known for its representation of plein-air painters and other prestigious and talented artists. George loved his gallery and all of the talented and beautiful directors and staff that have been a part of it through the years. The gallery has been managed for the past 12 years by Director Carey Molter, with the devoted team of Ingrid Cherry and Teresa Pidgeon.

In addition to his love of art, poetry and business, George had a passion for golf. Even into his 80s, he was often on the course, playing 36 holes with the likes of Rip Sewell, Ed Dumke and Hillard Hicks. He was a deadly putter and a fierce competitor—especially if there was a wager on the line. He and Diane loved many of the same activities. The two shared a love of art, golf and springer spaniels.

George is survived by his loving wife, Diane; his daughters and son, Nancy Kneeland of Sun Valley, Georgine Kneeland of Hamilton, Mont., and Bill Kneeland of San Diego; and stepsons William L. Coulthard and James C. Coulthard (Margaret C. Coulthard) of Las Vegas. He and Diane share the love of eight grandchildren, Michelle, Amy, Danielle, Lane, Emma, Autumn Rose, Will and Blake; eight great-grandchildren, Casey, Erica, Tomi, Kelsey, Kristofer, Briena, Alyssa, Colten; and one great-great-granddaughter, Tyleigh Michelle.

A celebration of George's long, well-lived life will be held at Michel's Christiania Restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 4-7 p.m. Please come and share your stories of our great friend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Community Library of Ketchum, the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley or St. Luke's Wood River Foundation.




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