Keith Knoles, 71

Keith Edward “Ed” Knoles, 71, of Priest River, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on July 9, 2026.

Born on March 2, 1955, in Spokane, Washington, to Philip and Karla Knoles, Ed grew up in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. He went on to work in the woods with his father, where he learned all there was to know about the logging industry. After marrying the love of his life, Kathy, in 1973, he went on to own and operate Knoles Logging and Crooked Horn Construction, before eventually moving on to road construction for Hansen Logging.

Ed was known for his love of the outdoors, his incredible knowledge, and his devotion to his family. He loved hunting, fishing, guns, knives, woodworking, leatherworking, riding things that go fast, hiking, picking huckleberries, building/remodeling, watching Jeopardy, his dogs, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play. He loved to learn and teach. There was nothing he couldn’t do, and if he didn’t know, he’d learn. A common phrase in the Knoles household was, “Papa can fix it,” because it was always true.

Ed is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Rachel Knoles and Laurel (Baylen) Thomas; grandchildren Hailey Hatfield, Emily Hatfield, Ava Walter, Derek Jenks, and Benjamin Thomas; great-grandchildren Miya Boyd, Evelyn Boyd, and Waylin Giard; siblings Karen Steffen, Margene (Mike) Chantry, Kenneth (Rene) Knoles, and Brent (Gale) Knoles; and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Priest River, Idaho, with a gathering to follow at a location to be determined.