John Hilliard Knowles

John Hilliard Knowles, Esq., a native of Sacramento, passed away February 26, 2021 in Sacramento. He was born on June 5, 1935. John graduated from McClatchy High School in 1953 and then UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Pollical Science in 1957. He then attended UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. While attending Hastings, he married his wife of 61 years, Della Sagehorn. With his law degree in hand, they returned to Sacramento where he and Della raised their family of two boys, Joe and Tom, in the same house John was raised in.

John worked for the State Board of Equalization for many years before going into private practice for the rest of his career. Upon his retirement in 2011, he was recognized for 50 years of service as a member of the State Bar of California. Throughout his life, he enjoyed acting in local theater and hunting, golfing and playing poker with his lifelong friends. In his younger years, John earned his private pilot license and flying was one of his greatest joys. He and Della also enjoyed traveling the world extensively in their later years and made incredible memories.

John was a lifelong member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he was very active and influential. His service began as a boy as an acolyte and later included serving on the vestry, as senior warden and a devoted member and leader of Cursillo. Later in life, John also received his commission for Education for Ministry in the Episcopal Church.

John was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Stewart Knowles and his sister, Jo Ann Knowles. He is survived by his wife Della, son Tom (Heathyr) and granddaughters Cora and Thea. He was a devoted family man and loving father and grandfather. The family is grateful for the care John received at The Retreat at Royal Green, Sutter Hospital, and Sutter Hospice.

A private graveside service was held on March 4, at East Lawn in Sacramento, CA. Donations to All Saints Episcopal Church in his honor are welcomed.