William “Bill” Knutsen Jr.
Bothell High School Class of 1958
Recognized Champion for Farmers, Watersheds & Salmon
Fierce Advocate for Thriving Agricultural Communities
William “Bill” Knutsen Jr. was a lifelong contributor to the Bothell and Puget Sound communities, as well as an active leader in the farming and salmon recovery communities on the local and state levels. For 24 years beginning in 1962, Knutsen volunteered as a youth football coach, youth football program manager and a booster club board member. During his decades as a partner in Bill's Dairy located in Bothell, he was elected in 1984 to the Washington State Dairy Herd Improvement Association, serving for eight years to upgrade record-keeping and communications between the association and farmers. Knutsen served for several years on the King County Agricultural Commission, which advocates and supports efforts to protect farmland and strengthen the viability of local farm economies. This led to his serving 18 years on the King Conservation District board of supervisors, which oversees programs that help local residents responsibly manage natural resources. His role on the board expanded to include membership in the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum, Watershed Washington and the Green River Watershed. For his work, Knutsen received several recognitions, including the 2004 Wildlife Farm of the Year, the Vim Wright Building Bridges Award, the Eugene Schloz Outstanding Supervisor Award and the Bill Knutsen Conservation Employee Award. Knutsen was a tireless advocate for the often-overlooked farmers and agricultural community in times of great growth. Through his leadership and hard work, millions of dollars were used to implement hundreds of environmental projects throughout King County, leading to beneficial outcomes for salmon and local communities.