It is my sad duty to report the passing of Walter C. "Mickey" Knapp, LCOL, USAF (Ret.) on March 13, 2008, in Kaiser Hospital , Roseville , CA after a long illness. He was born June 20, 1929 in Petersborough , NH . He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, and devoted caregiver of the past five years, Clare Ryder; his sister, Ann Volatile (Husband, Tom) of VT; and, brother, Edward Knapp (wife, Lynn) of CT. He is also survived by his sons: Stephen of Baltimore, MD; Charles of OH; and, Raymond of Washington, DC; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews; and, his beloved cat and constant companion, Ha’Penny.

 

Mickey graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1952 and served on active duty in the US Air Force until his retirement in 1977. His last tour of duty was as Director of Intelligence at Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach , Florida . Upon retirement, he and his

wife, Clare, made their home in Sacramento , CA .

 

Volunteer work was an important part of his retirement years, starting with the American Heart Association and the Sacramento Food Bank.  Soon thereafter, he took part in the founding of the Sacramento History Museum , playing an important part in its startup. He was a Charter Docent, assisted in the training of new volunteer docents and lectured in many venues on behalf of the Museum, as well as writing and editing promotional pamphlets. He later served as President of the Sacramento Historical Society. He took on many duties involved in the refurbishment of Sacramento 's Old City Cemetery , and personally conducted tours of that historic facility.

 

In addition to the Sacramento Chapter of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, he was a member of MOAA, Disabled American Veterans and the History Museum of Folsom, CA. He spent the past twelve years deeply involved in genealogical research, and in writing a history of the McNeill family from which he was descended.

 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 26 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 307 Montrose Drive, Folsom, CA. A reception will follow the Mass at the church. Private interment will be at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery , Citrus Heights , CA .

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacramento Food Bank, 3333 Third Avenue , Sacramento , CA 95817-2161 or to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 2808 , Sacramento , CA 95812-2808 .