Paul Moren Knutson Obituary

With broken hearts we announce the death of Dr. Paul Moren Knutson DDS of Belleville, on January 10, 2026 at the age of 87, at Hospice Quinte after a short battle with cancer. The family wishes to convey our deepest gratitude toward the staff of Hospice Quinte and Belleville General Hospital during his final struggles.

Paul was born on September 26, 1938, to Muriel (Burns) and Karl Knutson in Unity, Saskatchewan. Paul attended the University of Toronto and graduated in 1962 from the Faculty of Dentistry. He started his practice in Belleville in July of 1962 and had a long career as a respected and much loved Dentist until his retirement in 2020 at the age of 81.

Paul was engaged in many sports and activities throughout his life including curling, hockey, golfing, skiing, and of course sailing. Since the early 1970’s he spent many happy days racing and relaxing on the waters of the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. Just this past September, Paul helmed his best Katie Gray race to Picton ever. While an avid hunter and fisher in earlier life, Paul and his wife Debbie developed an incredible passion for animal welfare. Their home was a sanctuary for animals both domestic and wild and they could be found feeding and rescuing neglected animals all around town – even when travelling! Paul loved life and those around him!

Paul is survived by Deborah his wife of 40 years, his sons Douglas (Carolyn) and Bruce and their mother Evelyn, his step-granddaughter Jocelyn (Davin), his step-great grandson Locke, adopted grandson Dwane, and nephews Brent (Marilyn) and Blaine. He will be greatly missed by Debbie’s family, his extended family, his patients, his colleagues, his staff, and his many friends – including those four-legged, furry, and feathered!

Paul was preceded in death by his mother Muriel, father Karl, and younger brother Myron.

Funeral services will be at Eastminster United Church, 432 Bridge St E, Belleville, on Saturday, January 24th at 2pm – visitation will precede the service at 1pm and a reception will follow. Reverend Mike Putnam will lead the service. The service will be Live Streamed on the Eastminster YouTube Channel.

The family would appreciate memorials or donations in his memory be made to Hospice Quinte, Quinte Health Care (Belleville), or Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre.