Powder River Examiner -

Michael Wayne Knapp, beloved Husband, Dad, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, Fire Brother, and Friend passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2022. He was 44 years old.

Michael was born on April 3, 1978, in Missoula, MT to Ted Knapp and Valorie Robinson. He grew up in and around Dillon, MT but loved spending time in Argenta with "the cousins" climbing around Initial Rock, hunting rock chucks with his grandma Nancy's forks tied to sticks as their weapons of choice. He attended school in Dillon through the 8th grade, then moved to Ashland, graduating from Colstrip High School in 1996.

He married his high school sweetheart, Cedar Haley on March 21, 1998. They initially made their home in Ashland, moving to Billings in 2000. While living in Billings, they welcomed their 4 children: Shannon (2004), Michaley (2005), Jackson (2007), and Caitlyn (2008). In 2009, they returned to Ashland where they all lived until the time of his passing.

Michael worked at many professions through the years, but fighting fire was his passion. He caught the bug in 2010 and never looked back. He served with the Ashland Volunteer fire department for 12 years. He also worked Severity with DNRC, then as an Engine Boss for Brad Butler Enterprises. His dedication and heart for helping others led him to train as an EMT and volunteer for Search and Rescue.

In 2021, with great reservation he tried his hand "turning wrenches" and driving a tow truck for Gibbs Towing in order to spend more time at home with his family.

Besides fighting fire, he enjoyed demolition derbies, fishing at Kelly Lake above Argenta, hunting with his dad, sisters, and kids, and just hanging around the kitchen playing music trivia with the family.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Valorie; grandparents, Jack and Nancy Knapp, Hilden and Wanda Mower, Richard and Alice Robinson; uncle, Jess Knapp; aunt, Judy Flores; brother-in-law, C.R. Stewart; and father-in-law, Bruce Haley.

He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Cedar; children who were his strongest sense of pride: Shannon, Michaley, Jackson, and Caitlyn; sisters, Michelle, and Robin; stepfather, Jeff Robinson; uncles, Tony (Terri) Knapp, Jack "Inky" Knapp; aunt, Garnet Mann; special cousins, John (Vonnie) Knapp, Bob Connors, and Alecia (Matt) Morgan; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, fire brothers, family, and friends too numerous to mention. If we forgot anyone, please accept our sincerest apologies.

The family would like to thank the staff of IHS ER, The Northern Cheyenne Ambulance Crew, Ashland Quick Response Unit personnel, Rosebud County Deputies and Friends, Brenden Stevenson and Shelby Stevenson, BIA deputies, the Miller family, Jordan Bloxham and Garrick Good Hart for their valiant efforts to save him. Words simply aren't enough to express our gratitude.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Ashland Public School. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with arrangements.