Michael Alan Knox

Michael Alan Knox–known to most as Mike, and known to the most important people as “Baba”–passed away in the early hours of July 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife of 49 years Denise (Denny) Knox, his son AJ, and his daughter Amy, in his Point Loma home. 

Mike was born in Annapolis, MD, on June 22, 1947, to Eugene Volney Knox and Roberta Eva Johnson. His father’s naval service brought them to Coronado, CA, where Mike grew up with his older brothers, Scott and Jimmy. 

He attended Coronado High School (class of 1965), where he assures his children he had to trudge uphill through the snow both ways to get there, despite its sunny Southern California locale. While at CHS, he amassed a number of meaningful, lifelong friendships, and served as Senior Class President. He continued to help organize and host CHS reunion events as years passed.

Mike met Denny in 1973, while he was working at Cabrillo Art Center in Ocean Beach, which his mother Roberta (Bobby) owned. They must have known it was meant to be, because they were married less than a year later in Scottsdale, AZ. They went on to take over ownership of Cabrillo Art Center, where they became staples of the OB community. Mike eventually served as the first President of the OB Merchant’s Association and was an active life-long supporter of the Ocean Beach community. 

After nearly a decade enjoying a carefree, kid-free marriage, Mike and Denny had AJ (1983) and Amy (1984). He always supported his family’s interests and passions and was active in AJ and Amy’s schooling and extracurriculars. 

Mike specialized in Sales, fitting as his gift was building and maintaining true and meaningful relationships. He spent many years with Advanced Marketing Services, where he was able to travel the country and forge lasting friendships with his coworkers. Mike was also an avid golfer, and spent the last 9 years serving as an ambassador at Riverwalk Golf Course. Mike was known for his long, funny, and entertaining stories, his intellectual prowess and his love of books, reading, and history. Jeopardy was a competitive sport in the Knox household!

In the days before he passed, his home was a revolving door of guests and a hive of activity, filled with endless games of Hearts and Casino (his favorites) and lots of laughter (another favorite). 

Mike is survived by his loving family: his wife Denny; his son AJ and his wife Jenna and daughter Lincoln; and his daughter Amy and her children Rylee and Evan. He is also survived by his brothers Scott and Jimmy, and their families. 

Though we all wish we had more time with Mike – aka “Baba”- he had a full, happy life filled with laughter, love, stories, and warmth. His kindness and sense of humor were infectious. We will continue to raise a glass to Mike with the family toast: “Garajczke!”

A celebration of life will be held in San Diego in August. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name.