Michael Gerard Knott

Michael Gerard Knott passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 61, to be reunited with His Holy Father.

Michael Gerard Knott was born December 22, 1962, in Aurora, Illinois, and lived there until the age of eight, when his family moved to California. Growing up in Huntington Beach, he embraced various sports, including surfing, skateboarding, competitive swimming, and pole vaulting for the track team in high school. Michael had boundless energy and was always trying new things. Music played a significant role in his life, and he exhibited talent from a young age, often singing with his parents and six sisters, and later mastering the guitar, drums, piano, and vocals. He composed his first songs at just 11 years old. Michael assembled his first band in 1978 called The Hightops, while at Mater Dei High School. His music and energetic onstage performance style were instantly loved.

After graduating in 1981, Michael attended Chapman College in Orange before embarking on a successful career in music as a songwriter and frontman for multiple bands. Michael earned himself a reputation as a pioneer in the alternative Christian rock scene, challenging industry norms with his profound understanding of grace and raw authenticity. Alongside his musical endeavors, he explored painting with acrylics, creating beautiful, thought-provoking pieces cherished by his fans.

Michael, his father, and a good friend created an Irish band called The Rovers Three to celebrate their heritage through music. In addition to his passion for music, he pursued diverse careers, working briefly as a realtor for Tarbell Realty and later as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing care to those in need. He also dedicated his time as a Catholic Eucharistic Minister and served as the primary caregiver for his elderly parents until his untimely passing.

Remembered for his spiritual, loving nature and generosity, Michael was preceded in death by his father Howard Charles Knott and is survived by his daughter Stormie Fraser (Rowan), granddaughter Winter Fraser, mother Mary Dorothy Knott, and sisters Kathleen Galipeau (Jerry), Colleen Hammond (Robert), Bridget Wolf, Laura Kump (Dow), Theresa Newell (Dan), and Brenda Mueller (Pete), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at 12:30 pm, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 5th, at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Community in Huntington Beach, California. 

Michael will be laid to rest at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach. A tribute to Michael Knott will be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday, April 6th, at Dick Church's in Costa Mesa, California.

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