Bryan Don Knotts - Walker Funeral Home

Bryan Don Knotts, affectionately known as Papa, Father Bear, and BK, passed away on June 18, 2025. Born on September 20, 1965, in Payson, UT, Bryan lived a life defined by love, laughter, and genuine compassion for those around him. His zest for life was infectious, and his ability to connect with others was truly remarkable.

Bryan was a loving husband to his wife, Lea, to whom he was married in the Manti Utah Temple on April 29th, 1988. Together, they cherished 37 years filled with laughter, adventure, and shared dreams. His children, Jordan, Megan, Hayden, and Stockton, were his pride and joy, and he loved them fiercely. He was also blessed with wonderful in-laws, Alex and Hannah, whom he considered his own.

Described as funny, empathetic, goofy, and smart, Bryan had a unique ability to make everyone feel like they mattered most to him. He was a man of many passions; whether he was playing his guitar, cheering for the Yankees, experimenting with culinary delights in the kitchen, or building intricate Lego models, Bryan was happiest when he was immersed in the things he loved, and surrounded by those he loved. He was a skilled photographer, an avid skier, and a loving Papa to his beloved grandchildren, who brightened his life. He was always playful and attentive to them, never running out of patience as he became their human playground.

Bryan’s faith was also a significant part of his life. His service as a missionary in the Missouri, St. Louis Mission was an accomplishment he held close to his heart, and it’s where he met his sweet wife, which is kind of a big deal if you think about it. His commitment to his faith was a beacon of light to everyone who knew him, and his empathy extended far beyond his family and friends. Bryan’s life was a testament to his belief in the value of service, compassion, and love.

In addition to his wife and children, Bryan will be deeply missed by his parents, Roger and Delores, his siblings: Tracy (Perry) Frazier, Kevin (Shellie), Christine (Brian) Gabbitas, and Brady (Aura). He is also survived by his in-laws, Larry and Reena Dreon, his sisters-in-law, Kelly Dreon and Shannon (Shaun) Orr and the many friends who had the privilege of knowing him. Bryan’s love for us was immeasurable, and his memory will live on in our hearts.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Bryan on his memorial page as we honor his life, his love, and the joy he brought to us all.

There will be a visitation from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 185 Ridge View Drive, Elk Ridge, Utah. A second visitation will be Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, also at the church, from 9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m. and will be followed by the funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Salem City Cemetery, 965 South 140 East, Salem, Utah 84653.

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10 Condolences for Bryan Don Knotts

Condolences(10)

Mark Stringham says

June 22, 2025 at 12:16 am

So grateful to have known Bryan & Lea when we lived on Saddlebrook in Payson. I’m also thankful I got to work with Bryan for many years while at Omniture and Adobe. He is such a good man with a big heart and a positive light. I will miss him.

Meghan Johnson says

June 22, 2025 at 12:36 am

Bryan was an incredible person. I was so grateful to have gotten to work with him for the last 6 years. He was so passionate, kind, patient and above all, Bryan was so funny. His humor and light will be severely missed. My heart goes out to his whole family for their loss at this time. Bryan left such an impact on those who were fortunate enough to know him. Love and prayers to his family. We will never forget him.

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Susan M. Hicken says
June 24, 2025 at 9:41 pm

Brian’s kindness and compassion will be forever remembered! Sending hugs and prayers to all your family!

Natalie Abudulahi says

June 22, 2025 at 12:09 pm

I worked with Bryan at WGU. He has always been easy to connect with and what we call “student obsessed”. He always had the students best interest at heart and he helped many students decide on their educational futures. He was a good doer and we will miss his kind and gentle influence at co-workers

I’m sorry to his family for his loss. From that beautiful tribute I can tell he touched the lives of many for the good. I have no doubt he’s busy on the other side doing the same.

I hope your memories of his well lived life will be a blessing and comfort to you all until you see him again.

Kim Stoker says

June 22, 2025 at 6:24 pm

I worked with Bryan, most recently learning a new role. The passion he had for life was extremely evident in everything he did. He was a great helper and really wanted to make sure he understood everything so that he could be the best at what he was doing. I really appreciated working alongside him. My heart aches for his family’s loss because I know if he made this kind of impact at work, there are no words to describe his loss at home. Much love and comfort to his family.

Bill Fagan says

June 23, 2025 at 3:14 am

I had the honor of working alongside Bryan for several years, and during that time, I came to know him as a caring and dedicated person. His commitment was unwavering, and he approached his work with both heart and purpose. Bryan also brought a wonderful sense of humor to our team and had a sincere interest in the well-being of those around him. His kindness and positive spirit will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Janet Wilkey says

June 23, 2025 at 6:22 pm

I worked with Bryan many years ago at Nature’s Sunshine. He was a lot of fun to work with, maybe too much fun. We had a lot of good talks and became very good friends. Because of Bryan, I found out who Sammy Haggar is. He was passionate about many things. My condolences go out to Bryan’s family. He will me missed.

Monica Peradotto says

June 24, 2025 at 7:33 pm

I had the sincere pleasure of working with Bryan at Adobe. He was such a hard-working and caring colleague and I’m very grateful to have known him. My condolances and prayers are with all of Bryan’s family as you navigate this loss. Bryan will be dearly missed.

Gregg Nelson says

June 26, 2025 at 5:46 pm

So very sorry. So many memories and so much time spent at the Knott’s home on 3rd North.

Mark Muhlestein says

July 3, 2025 at 4:06 pm

I am so sorry to hear of Bryan’s passing. We were good friends at Spanish Fork Middle School in the late 70s and later reconnected while he was working at WordPerfect. He was always kind, compassionate and incredibly funny.
“When I heard that he was gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart” – N. Peart

Bryan Don Knotts September 20, 1965 - June 18, 2025

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10 Condolences for Bryan Don Knotts