Obituary of Carl Knighten

Carl Delos “Doss” Knighten passed away May 28 at the age of 95.  He was born November 9, 1927 in Wallowa, Oregon to Nellie L. Poulson Knighten and Carl Knighten.  Doss grew up in Elgin, La Grande and Irrigon, Oregon where his family had a cattle and melon farm.  He attended a one-room school on Indian Creek near Elgin and schools in La Grande and Irrigon.  After graduating from Irrigon High School in 1945 he entered the US Maritime Service as a merchant seaman.  He sailed as a crewman on a troop ship to the South Pacific carrying replacement Navy sailors and Army soldiers.  During the Korean war he served with the US Army 196^th Regimental Combat Team as a radio electronic specialist in Alaska guarding the Bering Strait against a feared Russian invasion. 

            Doss graduated from Eastern Oregon College where he met and married Doris Worden March 25, 1949.  He did further graduate study at Eastern Oregon College, University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Syracuse University.  He began his career as a teacher and counselor in Pendleton Public Schools and later became a member of the staff at Blue Mountain Community College, Corvallis High School and Bend Public Schools.  His professional life also included joining the faculty at Portland State University and the University of Rochester in New York.  Moving forward he became a field consultant with the Area Manpower Institute for Development of Staff (AMIDS) of the NW Regional Educational Laboratory.  The pinnacle of his career was his involvement with the Cascade Counseling Center as an owner and senior partner.   He was a psychotherapist and an organizational and management consultant to government agencies, business and industry. 

            Doss fulfilled his childhood passion of being a pilot at age 50.  He and Doris had many exciting adventures flying their plane to destinations in the Pacific NW.  Staying active in aviation and his pilots’ club continued well into his 80s. 

            Doss had many friends due to his caring and compassionate nature.  He could tell a good story and loved to laugh.  Helping others as a teacher and counselor was his life’s mission, always finding ways to brighten others’ lives. Learning and personal growth were his life-long goals.  He lived his life to the fullest!

            Doss is survived by his three children; Jeri McCormack (Bill) of Prineville, Greg Knighten (Debbie) of Payette, Idaho and Sue Wilson (Mick) of Canby, four grandchildren; Kurt, Janey, Kendra and Terra, four step-grandchildren; Rob, Lynnette, Chris and Cindy along with several great-grandchildren. 

            Doss will be interred alongside Doris at Willamette National Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held later this summer.  Please bring your stories and memories as Doss always hoped he would be “roasted” as people said their good-byes!