Paul Wayne Knickerbocker

Paul Wayne Knickerbocker, 77, Tucson, Arizona passed away unexpectedly February 25, 2025. Paul was born on February 13, 1948 in Ames, Iowa to James and Joyce (Arthur) Knickerbocker. Moving to Tucson with his family in 1950 at the age of two gave Paul about seventy-five years in the Old Pueblo. He attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, Salpointe Catholic H. S., and the University of Arizona. A twist of fate during the draft process changed his destination from the United States Army to the Navy, where he ended up in the Naval Construction Battalion, colloquially known as the Seabees, that were undertaking the task of the construction of NSF Diego Garcia, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, at the time. Paul wholeheartedly embraced the motto of the unit, which is “Can Do!” His military experience, along with his general construction aptitude and specific knowledge within the field of electricity made him a valued colleague to many. He also worked as a construction superintendent for the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant and helped many individual homeowners address a variety of electrical dilemmas of all scopes, sizes, and complexities.

If he didn’t have to be somewhere and could instead choose to be somewhere, that place was Salida, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where he loved to fish and hunt. He loved his dogs and through most of his life kept Brittany Spaniels that were his constant companions. Other hobbies that kept him busy late in life were woodworking and rock polishing and he usually always had some kind of shiny object with which to impress the ladies.

Jobs took him all over southern Arizona and to his beloved Salida, Colorado. Nothing was ever impossible; Paul had a way to make it work and pass inspection. Paul hardly ever met a stranger. Enjoying the outdoors, sharing delicious food (he was a great cook), and creative projects fed his soul.

Paul is survived by his son, Bryce; Bryce’s mother, Cristi; granddaughter, Kaia and his cherished dogs, Brie and Luna; his brother, Bob Knickerbocker (Lynne); sisters, Kathy Mathieu (Mick) and Diana Mott (John), nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Lynne and other beloved family members.

We will celebrate his life Sunday Maarch 23, 2025 12:00 - 3:00 PM at Barrio Brewing Co., 800 E. 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719. Some are gathering for Mass March 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Cyril, 4725 E. Pima St., Tucson, Arizona prior to the celebration.