Routt County attorney and longtime Steamboat Springs resident Erick Knaus died unexpectedly in his sleep May 17 at age 58. He was recognized for his calm, respectful approach and ability to offer thoughtful advice and steadfast support to colleagues at every level of county government.

“Erick was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength and wisdom to many,” read a statement from the Routt County Attorney’s Office. “He was kind and welcoming with a dry, self-effacing sense of humor and seemingly had a story to fit any situation … His leadership, professionalism and deep sense of service leave a lasting impact not only within the County Attorney’s Office but also throughout our entire organization and community.”

Before entering the legal profession, Knaus served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force. After his military service, he pursued higher education and earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in psychology from the University of Colorado and a law degree from the University of Denver.

Knaus served for two years as assistant district attorney in the 14th Judicial District, which includes Steamboat Springs. He practiced law at Feldmann, Nagel and Oliphant before opening his own practice in Steamboat in 2007. 

In December 2010, Knaus joined Routt County as assistant county attorney and was appointed county attorney in 2015, a role he held for the next decade.

Over 15 years, Knaus played a key role in helping Routt County avoid litigation and was instrumental in several important county initiatives, such as the paid family leave policy, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program, the Weed Ordinance and the Short-Term Rental Services policy, according to a statement from the county attorney’s office. 

“Erick was the most ethical, hardworking, committed attorney that I’ve worked with in my 30 years as a town or county manager,” said County Manager Jay Harrington. “He always put the county at the front of almost everything to make sure that we were well represented. Had good advice and really had an amazing moral compass … just a really good human being who really cared about those he worked with and the community he served.”

Knaus’s leadership was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Erick was someone that I felt did everything that we needed from a public health orders standpoint to protect the county during the COVID-19 response,” said Routt County Public Health Director Roberta Smith. “He truly looked out for the health and safety of the community.”

Colleagues consistently described Knaus as a mentor and source of strength with an unfailing sense of humor. 

“Erick was Routt County’s chief risk manager for me, and many county commissioners before me,” said Commissioner Sonja Macys. “That is an extremely serious and sometimes solemn duty. Maybe that is why his sense of humor was such a standout trait. His quick wit frequently helped diffuse tense situations. I will miss him dearly.”

Commissioners Tim Redmond and Angelica Salinas both remembered how Knaus welcomed them when they took office and the steady support he provided during challenging times. 

“I took office during the uncomfortable time of COVID, and right away, it was clear that Erick Knaus was both a friend and an ally,” Redmond said. “He was the first one to welcome me, help me get my bearings, and back me up as I settled into the job. Erick always put the county first, but he also made a point of supporting each of us elected officials as we did our work.”

“He had a calm, steady presence that made me feel grounded in the important work we took on each day,” said Salinas. “We talked about life, our families, how we ended up here, and the quirks that made this place — and him — so special. He didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to leave an impact, and that is something I will take with me.” 

“Erick’s impact on Routt County was significant, not only through his work but also because of the person he was,” said Routt County Clerk and Recorder Jenny Thomas. “I feel his loss deeply, but I will honor him with dedicated effort, supported by integrity, honesty, and a few ‘dad jokes’ in between.”

Todd Hagenbuch, county director and agriculture agent for CSU Extension, shared how Knaus stepped in to help during a complicated Junior Livestock Sale, even though livestock law was outside his usual expertise. 

“He jumped right in and helped us in any way he could, just wanting to make sure that the county was protected,” said Hagenbuch. “He was in our corner and willing to do whatever was needed for us.”

Sheriff Doug Scherar summed up the feelings of many. 

“He was such a great guy,” said Scherar. “I can’t even think of how to put it in words about what he meant to us, the sheriff’s office, what he meant to the county, what he meant to me as a person.”

Yampa Valley Airport Director Kevin Booth, who, like Knaus, served in the Air Force, worked closely with him for a decade.

“I never got bad advice from Erick. It was always very measured, very thoughtful,” said Booth. “He clearly thought of things that we might not have been thinking about, pointed out places where we needed to be extra careful, or added some things to contracts and dealings with people on the legal side of things.”

“He definitely had a very positive impact on this airport, and everybody that uses this airport indirectly,” Booth added. “Nothing but high praise for the way Erick conducted himself as a professional and as an attorney.”

Above all, Knaus valued family. He spoke frequently and lovingly about his wife, Brenda, and son, Aden. He is survived by Brenda, Aden, his brother Hans-Jurgen Johnson and his sister Kyra Donnell. 

In his obituary, his family described him as a provider who prioritized their comfort, a man full of generosity and surprises, and someone whose loyalty was unwavering.

“My father chose me over his work in my childhood, ensuring to be there for me,” Aden said. “I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend with him. Daily lectures, though hard to hear in the moment, have merit and will resonate with me my whole life.”