Christopher “Kit” Morton Knowles

Christopher “Kit” Morton Knowles, 78, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2023, at his beloved farm in Cedar, MI. Kit was born in Tacoma, Washington on December 19,1944 to his parents, Florence and Robert, and brother Rob.

His father’s engineering career took them from the Pacific Northwest to La Crosse, WI, Richmond, VA, Greenville, SC, and finally Winnetka, IL. Kit, Rob, and later their younger brother Scott, enjoyed spending much of their childhood outdoors; camping, fishing, hiking and exploring. Most of Kit’s summers were spent on the beautiful waters of Glen Lake, Michigan. He had many wonderful memories of his youth, waterskiing, sailing, and fishing with his family.

While at New Trier High School, Kit enjoyed running track, pole vaulting, and being a cheerleader. Upon graduating in 1963, he was accepted to the University of Denver. Kit overcame dyslexia, earned a business degree, and graduated with honors in 1967. Immediately after college, Kit enlisted in the Navy where he was a Lieutenant on the USS Laffey D-724. In 1970, Kit completed his service in the Navy and soon after, met the love of his life, Ruthie Howlett, at Monk, her leather clothing shop in Glen Arbor, MI. Kit and Ruthie were a vivacious couple, sharing their love for adventure, creative expression, and nature. They were married on May 15, 1971, in Winnetka, IL at the home of his in-laws, Bill and Ruth Howlett, whom he greatly respected and adored.

The newlyweds settled in Wilmette, IL, where Kit embarked on a career in the food industry. Kit began his career first at the Nancy Keith candy factory, and then proudly went from bread delivery driver for Mary Ann Baking, to Vice President of Retail Sales, for Alpha Baking Company, the primary supplier of Chicago’s hot dog buns. His admirable work ethic provided the lovely and lively home where Kit and Ruthie raised their three daughters, Kyky, Faith, and Zoe. Kit and his girls had a fun family life full of ice skating, tossing frisbee, waterskiing, dance recitals, plays, tennis matches, and the many colorful celebrations his Ruthie arranged. Kit also liked to unwind by playing racquetball, canoeing, fixing vintage cars, and sailing his Hobie Cat.

Kit retired in 1995 and he and Ruthie moved their family from Kenilworth, IL to St. Louis, MO. It was then that “Kit & Co. English Toffee” was born, inspired by his years prior at Nancy Keith’s. His highly sought after confections were sold in both St. Louis and Leelanau County. Kit and Ruthie were a wonderful team making toffee and as parents and loving partners., He was her devoted caregiver and was by her side when she passed in 1998.

Some years later, he found love again with close friend and artist, Joanne Evans. They made the move to Northwest Michigan where he bought a charming 1902 farmhouse in Cedar, resplendent on acres of rolling green hills and preserved wetlands. Kit and Joanne spent their time traveling, fishing, and creating art together, including a joint venture called “Rustic Lake Furniture.” Kit recognized he was very fortunate to have found two great loves and partners in his life.

The last twenty years of his life, Kit liked taking long hikes in the woods, foraging for mushrooms, fishing anywhere he could cast a line, playing his harmonica on summer nights in the garden at Wildflowers, sitting with his Native American medicine wheel, and telling colorful stories.

Kit is survived by his daughters, Kyky Knowles (Rob), Faith Knowles, and Zoe Knowles; his grandchildren, Skyli Britt, Paolo Britt, and Landon Myers; and his brother Scott Knowles.

Kit and his daughters were able to spend three days together, before he passed. They’re immensely grateful for the divine grace that brought them together one last time.

In honor of Kit, please consider making a contribution to https://www. glenlakeassociation.org or giving to nature, in whichever way moves you.