Donald Knight

Donald  Knight

December 9, 1930 Calgary, Alberta

March 31, 2020 Lac des Arcs, Alberta

Donald (Don) Kenneth Knight of Lac des Arcs, Alberta born on December 9, 1930, died peacefully on March 31, 2020 at 89 years of age.

Born to the late Robert and Mary Knight at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Calgary Alberta, Don attended Crescent Heights High School and upon graduation, joined Texaco Exploration as a mail boy, and spent his entire career with them, retiring in 1988 to Lac des Arcs. Don married Ruth Evelyn Lockyer on August 4, 1951 at North Hill United Church where the two met at Young Peoples.  Once they met, Don knew he had met his soul mate.  Don performed many roles with Texaco Canada and rose steadily from Chief Draftsman at a time that technology was changing the  industry’s method of identifying oil and gas reserves.  Lac des Arcs was a special place to Don where he purchased his property from his father.  In 1988, he crunched the numbers, decided to retire as head of Computer Technology for Texaco, and built an addition on the original cabin that he and his father built from a kit in the early 1960’s.  The addition was a requirement of Don’s wife, Ruth, if she was to live in the woods. Ruth predeceased Don in 2000, but loved her new lifestyle.

On retiring to Lac des Arcs, Don became involved in community matters and his love of this little hamlet blossomed as he volunteered for any activity that would improve the community.  He served on the Community Association for more than 10 years and was a steadying influence on that Association as it evolved.  His counsel was always valued.  It was always a treat to see him out on his Kubota tractor on some community project or inviting the Lac des Arcs children to jump in the little trailer and help to clean up the community each spring.

Don is survived by a sister, Barbara Gray of Parksville, BC, one son, Ken Knight of Calgary and partner Les Knight with granddaughters Emily and Julie, one daughter, Judy Loria and husband Luigi Loria with two granddaughters, Gina and Amy. Don was great grandfather to Amy’s sons, Oliver and Jagger.   Don was predeceased by his daughter Patricia (Wise) who is survived by Patricia’s husband Lon Wise and daughter Sandra McGinnis (Wise) of Bassano.  He was great grandfather to Sandy’s sons Logan and Dylan.

Don’s family extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses of the Canmore Hospital who were so kind and helpful during the COVID-19 period.  They and the Hospital were simply outstanding in their delivery of care and consideration of family and friends.

Due to restrictions currently in place, Don will be cremated in accordance with his wishes and placed next to his wife, Ruth, in the Canmore Cemetery with no formal service at this time.   A memorial service will be considered once the restrictions have been eased.

In memory of Don, if you so wish, please make a donation to the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation, 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, AB T1W 1N2 which supports the excellent care that Don received.