HAROLD LEE KNIVETON December 28, 1915 - September 13, 2017 Harold lee Kniveton was born in Stockton, California December 28, 1915 to George and Annette Kniveton. The family moved to Redwood City, California where Hal grew up. Hal was born a gifted athlete, with a cheerful disposition and a wonderful sense of humor. When he was 14 years old he got his driver's license and bought a car for $100.00. He was paid $22.00 a month to deliver the San Francisco newspaper at 4 A.M. to his customers so they could read the newspaper on their train commute to work in San Francisco. Gas was 15 cents a gallon and his car got 15 miles to the gallon so he said he actually lost money but he had a car and learned to fix almost any car engine. Growing up in the bay area sailing was very popular. Hal liked to sail with friends and built his own sailboat. His sailing friends were lifelong buddies. A talented sportsman Hal played football and basketball at Sequoia High School in Redwood City,California where he graduated in 1934 with a basketball scholarship to play at College of Pacific in Stockton, California. While there he met his future wife Ditto Hawley and they were married in August of 1940 after they both graduated. They shared 72 years of marriage. After graduation Hals first job was for a bank in Stockton. Soon after his father-in-law George Hawley asked him to move to Hawley Ranch and help run the family dairy farm in Farmington. It was there he and Ditto started their family where all four children were born. The Columbia Basin was open to new farm lands and Hal moved his family to Eltopia, Washington in 1958. Sagebrush was cleared, irrigation ditches were dug and a new farm was created. Hal enjoyed farming as much as he had liked playing sports and was still farming in his late 80's After the family was raised winters would find Hal and Ditto in California playing golf and visiting relatives and friends. Hal is survived by his sons, Ken (Barb), Larry (Bonnie), Steve (Kathy); Mary Jane (Bruce); 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, his parents, and wife Ditto Kniveton The family would like to thank Hawthorne Court and hospice for the loving care they gave Hal prior to his death. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, 1608 W. Court St. Pasco, Washington. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.