According to a statement from
The outdoor retailer noted that Knapp. “bicycled to work every day, even in the foulest of weather, even until the last day before that February hospital stay. He logged more human powered miles on his bicycle, kayaks, canoes, and feet than anyone we know, more than 156,000 miles!”
Included was a bicycle trip to
The retailer noted that Knapp worked for over 34 years in the outdoor equipment industry as a retail buyer. He served on the boards of several industry trade associations and volunteer advocacy groups including serving as president of the Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club and the Lake Superior Water Trail Association. He wrote two books and numerous magazine columns.
As buyer of camping, canoeing and kayaking products at Midwest Mountaineering for many years, Knapp literally launched the sport of sea kayaking in the
Midwest Mountaineering added, “After being diagnosed with potentially terminal kidney cancer in 2003, and, after the initial panic, Andy realized that he must face the uncertainty and pain with the same stubbornness, perseverance, and sense of humor that he put into the thousands of miles of paddling, bicycling, hiking, skiing, and mountaineering adventures. With the help of family and friends, Andy survived two major surgeries, a bout with radiation, and a series of potent drugs, all the while still bicycling and paddling away. He bicycled to
The company noted that at Midwest Mountaineering, Knapp's ]wealth of hands-on knowledge about what makes good gear great will be missed.
The retailer concluded, “Midwest Mountaineering extends condolences to Andys family, his wife Denise and daughter Kaitlyn, as well as to the hundreds of other people who were touched by Andys strong will and total commitment to outdoor fun. He made our lives rich with appreciation of his and our own human possibilities.”
Donations for the benefit of Knapp's family can be sent to the Andy Knapp Memorial Fund, c/o Midwest Mountaineering ,