Robert Knorr, 72, Helped Build Northshore Schools

Robert Knorr, whose wry, detail-based approach to his hobbies mirrored his style as an administrator, helped build Northshore School District's reputation.

In 28 years with the district, he hired teachers, worked with unions and parent-teacher groups and got levies passed.

And he did it with joy and a competitive spirit, said his wife of 49 years, Donna Knorr of Kenmore.

"He was very active in the church, but also loved sports all his life," she said. He also grew roses and liked to comb the beach.

Mr. Knorr died last Wednesday (Feb. 10) of cancer. He was 72.

Born to a Lutheran pastor and his wife in Colfax, Whitman County, he moved with his family to Seattle in 1932 and graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1943.

Before serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he attended the University of Washington and rowed for its varsity crew.

He earned bachelor's degrees in sociology and education at the UW, then managed the UW ticket office.

Mr. Knorr began teaching in Seattle schools in 1954, then in 1956 moved to Northshore where he taught history, business and industrial arts at W.A. Anderson Junior High School (now an alternative school) in Bothell. He became its counselor and vice principal.

Having earned a master's degree in education administration from the UW, in 1965 he became the first principal of Canyon Park Junior High (now a middle school).

In 1969 he moved to Northshore District Central Office as director of personnel and guidance.

In 1979, he was promoted to administrative assistant for secondary education. He supervised curriculum, staffing and operations of district schools, and also supervised school-levy campaigns.

For the nearly 20 years he handled levies, he took pride in seeing that Northshore residents passed nearly every school levy and bond issue. He enlisted hundreds of telephone volunteers and had teachers stand beside streets and wave signs.

He retired in 1984 and turned to buying and selling antiques.

But his Inglewood Antiques shop would soon close. After having both his legs amputated above the knee because of complications from diabetes, he had to close the shop because he could not get around without a wheelchair or control-equipped car.

"He lost his legs in September 1986, our youngest daughter's wedding was to be in March, and he found it extremely difficult to use prosthetic legs in combination with crutches," his wife said. "He worked very hard with the therapists and did manage to walk down the aisle to give her away. Everybody in the church was in tears.

"He was a quiet man, but when he had a mission, he'd really pursue it."

Also surviving are his children Robert Knorr of Anacortes; Thomas Knorr and Douglas Knorr, both of Seattle; Janis Glenn, Bethesda, Md.; Karol Steele, Camano Island; William Knorr, Shanghai, China; and Marit Krueger, Bainbridge Island; and 14 grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to Northshore Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 173, Bothell, WA 98041.