Curtis, Thomas Knickerbacker Knick was a free spirit who followed his strong curiosity and passions wherever they led. He was a pilot, a singer, a salesman, a church leader, a great cook, a devoted hunter, a lover of Jaguar automobiles, a great poker player and a leader of museum volunteers. He also had an army of friends and a devoted wife and family. Knick died at peace at home in Dallas surrounded by family, just a few weeks shy of his 80th birthday. His funeral will take place on Saturday, May 18 at noon at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 11122 Midway Road in Dallas. The service will be live streamed on Saturday, May 18th at noon CST for those unable to attend in person: https://youtube.com/live/oIjFTvNHan0?feature=share

He was born in New York City, grew up in Philadelphia, went to Avon Old Farms School in CT, went to college in Vermont and lived in Chicago for 15 years. Knick moved to Dallas in 1983 and became a tried-and-true Texan quicker than you can buy a Stetson and twirl a lariat. He made his living mostly as a salesman selling everything from high quality printing, to flying lessons, to aircraft engines and parts. He made annual visits with wife Lynn Armstrong to the Adirondacks in New York, where they met up with friends, staying in a historic lodge and enjoying hunting adventures. But at heart Knick was a pilot. He started flying with his dad at age 16, got his general aviation license and eventually owned two airplanes, his last being a 1958 Piper Comanche. He often flew alone and when asked what the thrill of that was he'd just smile and shrug. "Too hard to explain," he said.

Knick was a longstanding member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, served on the vestry and as Lay Eucharistic Minister, and spent 29 years as a tenor in the church choir. After he retired in 2006, Knick spent countless hours volunteering at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, 14 of which as Chairman of The Volunteer Association. He received the museum's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is survived by his wife Lynn, sister Abby Palmer of Tropic, UT, son Todd Thillman of Lafayette, CO, grandsons Gavin Thillman and Declan Campbell, and brothers-in-law John Armstrong of Dallas and Ken Armstrong of Detroit, MI.

In Knick's memory, the family suggests donations to Frontiers of Flight Museum (www.flightmuseum.com) or Good Shepherd Church. (www.goodshepherddallas.org)