J. Knell Obituary (1933

Doug Knell passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2012. He was 79 years old. Doug was born on October 2, 1933 to Raymond and Clara (Bentley) Knell . Doug spent the first few years of his life in Pinto, Utah, then moved to Cedar City where his family grew with the addition of his brother Bruce and Sister Trudy. He attended elementary, secondary, and high school in Cedar City. After high school, Doug attended the Branch Agricultural College and graduated with an Associate of Sciences degree. Doug was then called to serve an LDS mission in the Hawaiian Islands where he developed and enduring love for the people and culture. After his mission, Doug returned to Cedar City to continue his education at the College of Southern Utah.In February 1956, while attending school, Doug became reacquainted with Janet Wasden. Their whirlwind romance resulted in a wedding in May of that same year. Two months later, Doug was drafted by the US army and shipped out to Fort Ord, California for basic training. He joined the 52nd Army Band where he played Saxophone. Doug's love for music started young and continued throughout his life. He was attracted to the big band sound and played locally in the Wynn Seegmiller Band and the Starlighters, to name a few.Doug's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish businesses in hospitality, laundry & cleaning, and car washing - as well as travel and tourism. Doug was proud to acknowledge the fact that his was the first travel agency in Cedar City. Doug Knell Tourism and Travel, and its successor, Dimension Travel, developed the tradition of "The Senior Trip", taking over 4,000 Southern Utah Graduates to Disneyland and beyond. Doug's professional career has been filled with accomplishments and achievements including the following: Owner and operator of Best Western El Rey Inn & Suites and the Stratford Court Hotel, Charter member of Best Western International, member of the Best Western International Board of Governors, President of the Utah Hotel Motel Association, Chairman of the Utah Color Country Region, Recipient of Utah's Innkeeper of the Year Award 1986, Member of the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Cedar City Rotary Club, Utah Travel Council Board of Commissioners, Chairman of Best Western International Executive Marketing Advisory Committee "EMAC", "Businessman of the Year" from Southern Utah University Business Department 1996.Doug has been a life-long supporter of Southern Utah University, including such programs as the Thunderbird Athletic Club, the Utah Summer Games, and the Utah Shakespearean Festival.In addition to his business interests, Doug enjoyed flying his plane, boating at Lake Powell, skiing (both snow and water), cars, music, and travel (particularly to Hawaii) with family and friends. But more than any of these, his family brought him his greatest joy.Doug is survived by his wife Janet (Wasden) Knell and their three daughters: Leilani Wilson (Jerrie) in Provo; Joanne Pennock (David) in Salt Lake City; Nancy Osborne (Rick) in Cedar City. Doug was preceded in death by his son Stephen. These four children and their posterity (16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren) were the greatest source of pride and pleasure to Doug and Janet. A viewing will be held Friday, October 12th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Southern Utah Mortuary. Additionally, on Saturday, October 13th, there will be a viewing held from 11:00am to 12:30pm, prior to the Funeral service beginning at 1:00pm at the Cedarview Ward Chapel, 1925 West 320 South, Cedar City, Utah. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.sumortuary.com.