Captain KNIGHT

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KNIGHT: Captain Canon Walter Albert Knight (Praise the Lord Al), age 88, of Brandon, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Al was born in Toronto on June 9, 1920. His family consisted of his parents Walter and Ellen Knight and his only sibling, sister, Helen. Al was baptized and confirmed in the Anglican Church at the age of 18. Al was immediately recruited as Sunday school teacher and began his love of ministry; especially to the youth. At the age of 20 years, Al voluntarily signed up to enlist in the Canadian army. He was eventually sent off to England where he became known as “The chocolate soldier” as he would trade cigarettes for chocolates, which he then gave out to the children. In 1946, Al found his way back to Ontario, Canada and became one of the first candidates to take training with the Church Army where he served for 60 years. Because of his desire to work fulltime for the Lord, Al was told that the possibility of marriage was slight. However, at age thirty-six, Al met the love of his life, Lucille Hartnell. They were married on December 29, 1956. They were able to see their 52nd anniversary. Together they served in many parishes across Canada. In 1969, God called them to a ministry across the ocean in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Their final ministry together was St. Christopher’s house in Laurier, Manitoba. Al had a heart for the lost and the homeless and God granted many opportunities to change lives over the next 28 years. During this time, Al was able to realize a life long dream of a pilgrimage trip to Israel. When Al and Lucille retired they moved to Brandon to be close to their family. Even at the age of 86, Al wondered to what new ministry God would call him. Al was a man of faith, committed to his God, his family and friends. Al will always be remembered for his sense of humor; especially his puns, his love of games such as cards, crib and scrabble. One of Al’s gifts was music and he could play by ear almost any musical instrument including the drums and one of his children’s favorite, the spoons. More of his story can be found in his book “How God Cares” located in the Resource Centre at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Al’s legacy is passed on through his wife Lucille; his children: Ann (Phil) Varcoe, Ray (Judy) Knight, Billy (Doreen) Knight, Joyce (Ed) Farough, Christine (Lucien) Assailly, and Dawn Knight; his 21 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and his nephew Doug (Jeannie) Burns. The family gives thanks for Al’s life and they will lovingly remember and deeply miss him. They wish to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Blyth, Dr. Riche, Dr. Large and all the staff on 400 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre for their loving care and compassion. Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Bishop Malcolm Harding and Rev. Paul Crossland will officiate. Interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Al may be made to the Church Army, 105 Mountain View Drive, St. John, New Brunswick, E2J 5B5. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.“In as much as ye have done it unto one of the lease of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt 25:40 KJV.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 06, 2009