Dr. Conrad J. Knowles: Beloved Physician and Community Pillar

Conrad J. Knowles, M.D. was born on January 19, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and passed away on September 22, 2014, following injuries sustained in a serious car accident. Beloved husband, devoted father of three daughters, and deeply respected by his patients, Dr. Knowles left an enduring mark on the community he served.

Dr. Knowles grew up in Granger, Utah, on a five-acre family farm with his parents, William and Sonora Medine Knowles, his brothers Paul and Ariel, and his sister Ruth. As an adult, he also learned of an older half-brother, Myron Knowles. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and was drafted in 1955, serving two years as a Second Class Hospital Corpsman, where he attended the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School. This experience inspired his lifelong dedication to medicine, earning him the National Defense Service Medal.

While completing college and medical school, Dr. Knowles worked as a finish carpenter to support himself. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1959, then from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1962, summa cum laude, and completed his internship at St. Mark’s Hospital, specializing in internal medicine.

Returning to his childhood community, Dr. Knowles established Hunter Medical Center, becoming one of the most respected solo practitioners in the Salt Lake area. For over three decades, he provided comprehensive care, assisting in obstetric, gynecologic, orthopedic, and general surgeries. His greatest joy was delivering three generations of babies at Pioneer Valley Hospital, St. Mark’s Hospital, and Cottonwood Hospital.

After retiring from medical practice in 1989, Dr. Knowles pursued his passion for art and model shipbuilding, generously donating sixteen of his creations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where they remain on display. He was also an active member of Gyro International, Gyro District V, and loved the friendships and community connections it brought him.

Dr. Knowles had a lifelong love of travel, exploring Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa, China, Australia, South America, the Caribbean, and across the United States. He was an avid golfer and bowler, enjoyed hunting and fishing with close friends, and never missed a chance for a competitive ping pong match with his lifelong friends.

Family was the heart of Dr. Knowles’ life. He adored his daughters—Mary Rose, Roxanne (deceased), and Diana—and delighted in making family and friends laugh. His beloved black standard poodle, Monique, held a special place in his heart, reflecting his gentle and loving nature.

Dr. Conrad J. Knowles is survived by his wife and lifelong partner, Concetta “Connie” Knowles, and his loving family. His dedication, compassion, and generosity left a lasting legacy in Granger, Hunter, and the greater Salt Lake community.

Look carefully at this picture. Behind him is one of his handcrafted ships

He had offices in Granger, Hunter & Taylorsville at different times. Here are some of his former offices.