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 Knobby & I at last year's WMHA Christmas Skate. Knobby, for years, played Santa & brought joy to many WMHA players. He will be truly missed. |
The WMHA lost a legend and I lost a very dear friend. Robert "Knobby" Knudsen passed away at the age of 81. Anyone that is involved in sports in the Windsor/Essex County area knew who Knobby was. He was the most devoted person to minor sports in this area. While Knobby had won many, many awards, it is the behind the scene work that he will always be remembered for. Playing Santa at the WMHA Christmas parties, then taking extra gifts to kids in the Hospital and to kids who had no parents in metro Detroit but just being there for support.
I personally lost more then a friend I lost someone I loved like a Grandfather. When I first was elected to the WMHA board in 1992 I was scared because of the quality of people on the board and not exactly knowing what I was getting into. It was guys like Butch Rivard, Mike Dugal and Knobby who showed me the ropes.
Even in his final days when I went to visit Knobby in the hospital he was asking how registration was and if we needed any sponsors. But the most important thing he ever said to me was how proud Sedo would be of the job I was doing. I'm sure I will have even more support from upstairs with Sedo & Knobby watching over me & the WMHA.
God bless you Knobby, you will never be forgotten.
