Roland "Mick" Knisley

Roland “Mick” Knisley, 80, of Parker, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 7, 1946, in Springfield, Ohio, to Ulrich and Madlyn (Markley) Knisley, Mick lived a full life marked by hard work, deep devotion to family, and an abiding love of the outdoors and the people who filled his days with joy.

Mick graduated from Springfield South High School in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wittenberg College in 1968. That same year he began a distinguished 30-year career with Ohio Bell, starting as a Business Manager in Dayton. Over the decades he served as an area manager overseeing the business office, repair services, and community relations across the 937, 614, and 740 area codes, ultimately retiring as Director of External Relations.

In 1970 Mick married Anne Wright. Together they welcomed two children, Amy and Benjamin. On March 1, 1992, in Zanesville, Ohio, he married the love of his later life, Karen Dickson, and became a devoted stepfather to Bryan and Heath. After Karen’s retirement from AT&T, the couple moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in 2014. Mick loved to travel overseas, but his greatest passion and peace of mind were found in Pagosa Springs. He often called those years his “heaven on earth.” He spent his days hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and cooking for family and friends. The house was so frequently filled with visitors that they joked about hanging a Bed & Breakfast sign out front.

Mick was preceded in death by his brother Dale. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children Amy Knisley and Benjamin (Kristy) Knisley; his stepchildren Bryan (Melissa) Dickson and Heath (Kari) Dickson; his brother Keith (Cathy) and their children Carina (Jon) and Seth; and his sister-in-law Jane (Tom) Nash and their daughter Molly Brandon. He also leaves behind a large and adoring circle of grandchildren: Joshua, Tyler, Sophie, Vaughn, Charlotte, Fia, Haley, Chase, Cole, Baylee, Bryan, Chloe, and Liv; as well as great-grandson Nico. Mick cherished every one of them.

In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held. His family and loved ones will honor his memory privately, remembering his ready sense of humor, his generosity of spirit, and the deep, unwavering love he shared with those closest to him.