(Johann) Elijah Knauer – September 7, 1973 to March 18, 2016
Elijah passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the trees he loved and with his family and beloved pets at his side. He will be missed by his parents, John and Sharon Knauer, his brother, Joshua Knauer, and sister-in-law, Sara Van Rooy, his niece, Magenta Van Rooy, and nephew, Dylan Knauer, aunts Cheryl Ingwersen and Karen Roeder, uncle and aunt, Verne and Sylvia Montgomery, and his cousins Sebastien Roeder and Kevin Montgomery, as well as numerous friends.
Elijah loved dogs and, assisted by his aunt Cheryl, participated in the agility and obedience training of his dogs, Iris and Indigo. The ribbons and titles framed on his bedroom wall attest to Elijah’s hard work and devotion to them and the sport.
Throughout Elijah’s lengthy illness, he never lost his passion for movies, music, games, and most of all, to laugh. He touched the lives of many and showed those of us closest to him the true treasures in life.
Please join his family to celebrate Elijah’s Joy of Living Memorial on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 1 to 3 pm in the chapel at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd. Tottenham 905-936-3477. A time to share memories will begin at 2 pm.
www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Ginette Duplessis says
Going through old agenda books I came upon mentions of dinners with John, Sharon and Elijah. So this how I learned the passing of this gentle soul in 1916.
Nobody but you will ever called me Buttercup… you taught me a lot in the few times I was in your company and your wonderful parents. You now safe from pain courageous dear friend. Fly freely.
Klaus Knauer says
He also had many other member of his family that where not mentioned, or given the opportunity to say good by or pay respect. These include a set of grand parents, aunts uncles and cousins.
Rita Pool says
So many have already captured the truest essence of Elijah.
His memory, what an amazing memory making it easy for him to win those games, make those puzzles.
Mischievous, when I look in my dictionary Elijah’s picture is there as being the definitive rascal.
The love of his dogs, the love of being part of trailing and training the dogs was such a huge part of his life. Aunt Cheryl, it was wonderful that you were able to be with and support Elijah. He loved his work!
Sharon and John, what an incredible foundation you gave Elijah. Your remarkable strength and love carried on throughout these years; truly wonderful to witness. That grin…who could ever resist it!
Forever in a special place in my heart.
Elizabeth Harvey says
It’s a daunting task to capture the essence of someone as special as Elijah in a couple of paragraphs. I first met 13 yr old Elijah in 1986 when I started at SickKids and was immediately captivated by his sweet nature and his indomitable spirit. He inveigled his way into my heart, and our friendship continued after he transitioned from SickKids. He knew a lot about his illness and made it his mission to educate the doctors, both at SickKids and after he transitioned to adult care. One of my favorite memories is of the “portable toilet seat cover” – what a clever idea it was John.
Elijah was caring and generous and on any given admission could be seen offering neck rubs to the nurses and doctors while they were hunched over their charts. He always saved me something from his supper tray when I was on call – pudding or jello or crackers.
Elijah drank gallons of sweet milky tea. No mug was ever too big! He loved chocolate cake and roast beef. He loved movies and video games and could always be relied upon for a recommendation about what to watch – especially if you were a Lord of the Rings fan. He played endless games of UNO and could be quite ruthless to his opponent, despite his outwardly innocent appearance. He loved the challenge of a puzzle and mastered even the most difficult 3D puzzles I could find him.
Elijah loved his dogs. He was very proud of his involvement with Tamsu and regaled me with his ribbons, and pictures of his shows. He thought it very funny when 70 pound Indigo decided to be a lapdog and crawled onto my lap not once, but twice during a visit to his home.
Elijah was strong and brave, enduring many painful procedures without complaint. He taught me a lot about living with kidney disease, and about living life to the fullest of your ability.
Elijah was a dear friend and I miss him dearly.
The Scully Family says
I first met Elijah in the early 90’s when I was approached to tutor him at home. He quickly became a friend to our family and over the years we kept in touch whether it be over the phone or visiting him and his family at their home. One great memory we have is taking him to the Potato Festival in Alliston which he insisted was a “must see” event in the community. We will remember Elijah as a very brave young man with a big heart who embraced life with a positive outlook and humour. We miss him. Dean, Debby, Lauren & Meghan Scully
Paulette turner says
I too have fond memories of Elijah on 5D .. Who could forget that smile
Maria Negri says
Elijah was a true hero. I’ll never forget the day in one of our talks, he said, “remember when I died,” this after he survived a cardiac arrest. It was always a pleasure to spend the day with him and see him grow into a young man. He was blessed in having such a loving family. So glad to have known him and family.
Maria
Pat White says
I remember that huge smile from the “toddler room” and beyond that always shone on his face. Yes he was mischievous but then he would take my hand and I would melt. Elijah was a strong and courageous person. My thoughts and prayers go out to all. Love Pat
Lynn Ridgway says
It was with a very sad heart I learned of Elijah’s passing. I have so many fond memories of the times nursing him at Sick Kids starting from the days in the toddler room. No sooner did I leave the room and the conspiracy of toddlers began. I could usually tell some mischief was afoot by Elijah’s mischievous grin. Many times over the years have I shared his mum’s story of him taking the cats blood pressure. He brought such joy and love I feel truly blessed having known him and his remarkable family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Lynn
Susan Thorne says
I will never forget the day I went to cheer Elijah on as he “trialled” Rook for her CGN title. When he caught sight of me walking towards him across the field, he spread his arms wide and came as fast as he could to greet me with a huge hug and a kiss. I had gone there that day to provide moral support for Elijah but strangely, it seemed that I was the one receiving something that day, that I was the one being supported and honoured. That was Elijah – giving encouragement and blessing away before he’d even received it himself. I came away feeling “more”, and “enriched” somehow. Elijah was a wonderful example of grace for me.
Marg Brady says
Elijah was the first Nephrology patient I cared for on 5D at The Hospital for Sick Children in 1978. I loved him from the minute I met him. He had this gigantic smile and very few teeth. He was so brave. I have a lovely vase he gave me when he transferred to the adult program. I continue to put my card playing change into it. We had lots of fun at the Centre Island picnics for the Nephrology patients and their families. We both fell over in the sack races. So many great memories. Love Marg
Sara Van Rooy says
We were teens together. I went to your high school graduation, you came to my university graduation. You said it was like the Harry Potter movies 🙂 We went swimming, camping, to the mall and to the movies. You were unbeatable at Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit. Rock concerts in the park in Port Credit. Watching the Olympics! You taught Maggie and Dylan how to play with play doh, make paper air planes, puzzles and Uno. We shared so much laughter together. So many stories. I miss you and love you.
Annette Vigneux says
I have so many fond memories of Elijah. One of my favourites is dancing with him at summer camp when he was ten years old. He was always so happy and full of life. I will never forget his courage and positive attitude. He and his family taught me so much.
Aunt Cheryl says
Dearest Elijah, You were and still are my ‘bestest buddy’. We shared many adventures together training and trialing our dogs and no one could have been a more enthusiastic participant than you. Your kindness and love of life was an example to all who knew you. You taught us all so many important lessons about how to live and love.
I will miss you forever, buddy.
Sheila MacDonald says
Elijah was a working member of our training group and when he was collecting the money he collected all the money!We all liked him and I like to think that he liked us.
Georgina Cornell says
So many people honouring Elijah with their comments about dear Elijah…a testament to his personal charm and of course, his great courage. He will be remembered fondly by many including me.
John and Jeannette Mairs says
So sorry, so sad to hear about Elijah, just a wonderful person to bring laughter and joy to Tamsu. All the joy he shared with John, the girls and people especially with our Agility Trials. He held the title of Cone Master and will forever be missed.
Heather Young says
My favourite memory of Elijah is from years ago when he came to work one day. He saw Shanti Goosh in the parking lot and he was so full of joy to see him calling out his name over and over. That is what I think of when I think of him. Full of joy and excited.
Aunt Karen says
God Speed Elijah !
You taught us all so much about whatn is truly important in life with your sense of humour, even when life was really difficult for you….your delight in life’s simple joys…and how to love.
Elijah knew how to love and I don’t think it gets any better thsn that. It was an honour and a privilege to have been here with you on this journey.
Heather Buchanan says
I have many fond memories of Elijah. Helping collect the numbers at agility trials at Tamsu. Watching & cheering Cheryl on at obedience trials. Elijah was a wonderful, kind human being & I was happy to be considered a friend. He was a joy to be around.
Sarah and Richard Keefer says
Elijah was so special to us when we were training in “Stealth Six” with Cheryl five years ago. He was the most compassionate man, letting me cry on his shoulder when I lost my heart-dog, and the most truly alive, laughing with Rick time and again over the utter ridiculousness of a situation! We will always remember the joy and optimism that he brought to every day he lived, and the bravery and acceptance with which he bore his lot in life. Dearest Elijah: what an example you were to us all!