He was born November 7, 1944 in Ogden, Utah to John Knowles and Phyllis Pelham Melling. He grew up in South Ogden, Utah and graduated from Weber High School in 1963.

He attended Utah State University and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Utah in 1971 with a degree in physical therapy.

He accepted a position as staff therapist at the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital in 1972. In 1979 he opened his own private practice on South Boulevard. There he was fulfilled by treating and healing many people in Idaho Falls. He made many lifetime friends.

After surviving open heart surgery he consolidated his practice with Briggs Horman, & Brad Pierson, and they opened Peak Performance at the west end of Mountain View Hospital. He continued working there until the time of his passing.

Along with Ester Brothers he formed Medical & Professional Credit Union. He served as a volunteer for 33 years, holding various positions. At the time of his death he was Vice President of the Board of Directors. The credit union grew and expanded into the fine solid financial institution it is today. And he was so proud.

On August 29, 1980 he married Sandra Meyers. He became an instant overnight father to John, Lori, and Erik. He was a wonderful father and eventually legally adopted them. However he always considered them his own children. His true love and joy was being a terrific grandfather. He spent happy times with them including playing store with Alysha, his first grandchild. He fished with Aly & Emily, and rode horses with Tanner

John enjoyed fine arts, music, playing his guitar, books, & working with his hands. His proudest moment was partying in the new addition he added to their home. There was room for everyone and many happy times were spent there.

John had a huge compassionate heart and soul. He was kind, generous, gentle, and forgiving. He led a truly Christian life and was an inspiring spirit.

His position and presence in our lives will be immensely missed. We will love him and carry him in our hearts forever.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends from 7-9:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2008 and from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services both at the mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com

The agony is great

And yet we will stand it

Had we not loved so very much

We would not hurt so much

But goodness knows we would

Not want to diminish that precious love by one fraction of an ounce.

We will hurt

And we will be grateful to the hurt

For it bears witness to the

Depths of our meanings

And for that we will be eternally grateful.

James Noble

I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark burn out in a brilliant blaze

Than it should be stifled by a dry rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor,

Every atom of me in magnificent glow,

Than a sleepy permanent planet.

The proper function of a man is to live, not exist.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I will use my time.

Jack London