Ian McKnight Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Ian Patrick McKnight. Ian left us on February 17th, 2025, at the age of 37. His death was due to complications of an epileptic seizure. Ian was a cherished and dedicated father, brother, son, uncle, and friend whose kindness, humor, spirit, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on December 17th, 1988, in Durango, Colorado, to Kirk and Cindy McKnight, Ian was a gifted athlete. He excelled in every sport he pursued, earning numerous accolades during his time at Durango High School and Colorado Mesa University. His athletic record from Durango High School included: a three-year letter winner in

baseball and football; awarded all-state honors at first base, running back, and linebacker his senior year; set a state record for rushing yards in a season; Baseball Conference Player of the year; Football Iron Man Award Winner; Team MVP; and Renaissance Student Football Academic State Champion. Ian McKnight grew up skiing and alpine racing at Purgatory. One of the most successful athletes to come out of the Purgatory Ski Team, Ian competed in the US nationals at the age of 17. Over the course of his skiing career, the downhill specialist took several podiums in regional and national championship races; and competed on both the international Whistler Cup Team and the US National Development Team. He had an illustrious racing career, dominated local races and proved to be a strong competitor in the national racing circuit. At Colorado Mesa University Ian majored in Sports Management and Kinesiology. He helped to win the RMAC tournament championship, and multiple NCAA Central Region championships. His passion for baseball, football, and skiing was evident, and in later years, he developed a love for hiking, fishing, running, gardening, and skijoring. In his professional pursuits, Ian was a skilled ski coach and a talented carpenter. He started his ski coaching career in 2011 at Telluride, where he coached for 8 years. He was influential in the program and coached many athletes, including a now World Cup athlete. In 2019, Ian moved back to Durango and began his coaching career at Durango Winter Sports Club. He was a key member of the coaching staff over the last 6 years and was known for his strong technical knowledge and deep passion for coaching the tactics and technique of ski racing. Ian was a wonderful dancer and known for his warm hugs, not to mention the kindest dad, uncle, brother, and son. He approached all his pursuits with dedication and

excellence and will always be remembered for his infectious energy and generous heart.

Ian is survived by: his parents Cindy McKnight and Kirk (Tamara) McKnight, his son Hayes McKnight; his brothers Kyle (Kara) McKnight and Tyler (Kate) McKnight; his grandparents Paul (Kirsty) Nunez and Gail Ruffin; his aunts Lisa (Mikhail) Stal, Shari Nunez, and Kimberly McKnight; his uncle Michael (Colleen) Nunez; his niece Helen Iris McKnight and nephew Cooper Clay McKnight; and his cousins Isabelle Brown, Chloe Nunez, Nolan (Veronica White) Nunez, and Luna & Bodi Nunez. He was preceded by his grandparents Glen and Mary Ellen McKnight and his aunt Michelle Nunez.

A celebration of life will be held on May 31st, 2025 at 2:00pm, at the Elks Lodge Recreation Picnic Area. Please refer to https://everloved.com/life-of/ian-mcknight/ for deeper details on Ian's life celebration or for other donation options.