Another Dead Scientist — David R. KnibbsDavid R. Knibbs, Ph.D
August 5, 2002, deceased
David R. Knibbs, Ph.D, 49, director of Hartford Hospital's Electron Microscope Laboratory, died August 5 at Bristol Hospital.
Photo: David R. Knibbs
A member of Hartford Hospital's staff from July 1982, Mr. Knibbs joined Hartford Pathology Associates in July 2001, continuing under contract in the position of EM Lab director.
A lifelong Bristol resident, he graduated from Bristol Central High School, received a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut, a master's degree from Central Connecticut State University, and his doctorate in pathobiology from the University of Connecticut. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hartford.
He was an avid SCUBA diver, recently completing his 100th dive. His love of diving brought him from the shores of Connecticut to the Fiji Islands in search of sunken ships. At his memorial service August 9, friends and family characterized not the sadness of a young life ended early, but the accomplishments of a man who enjoyed life and everyone involved with him. His pastor spoke of Dave's charity to those he knew of only through his church, and how annually, Dave and his two children would personally do a massive grocery shopping before the holidays to ensure those in need in Bristol were taken care of. William Pastuszak, MD, director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, spoke of Dave's professionalism and keen insight into electron microscopy, and Dave's innate ability to brighten up any gathering. Others who eulogized Dave - among whom were his close diving partner, and high school and college teachers - reaffirmed Dave's drive, humor and dedication to anything and anyone who came in touch with him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Knibbs is survived by a son, Christopher and a daughter, Tabatha; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Robert Avolt of Bristol, and Betty and Roger Houle of Bristol; a sister-in-law and brother-inlaw, Bonnie and Tom Clark of Farmington; a special friend, Nancy Muller; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, John E. Knibbs.
Memorial donations may be made to the Prospect United Methodist Church Book of Remembrance Fund, 99 Summer St., Bristol, CT 06010. |
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